THE  LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 

Frederic  Bancroft 

1860-1945 


(:^^/tccc^ 


LIFE  OF 


Patrick  Hues  Mell 


BY  HIS  SON 


P.  H.  MELL,  JR 


BAPTIST  BOOK  CON;gE^. 


Kntered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1895,  hy 
.    P.  H.  MELL,  Jr., 
In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


2  9  y^  ^  ^ 


Electrotyped 

BY  ROBERT  ROWELL, 

LOUISVILLE,   KY. 


RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED 
TO 

THE  BAPTISTS  OF  THE  SOUTH 

IN  MEMORY 

OF 

DR.  P.  H.  MELL, 

WHO  WAS  FOR  MORE  THAN  FIFTY  YEARS 

AN  EARNEST  DEFENDER  OF 

THEIR  FAITH, 


CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Preface 7 

CHAPTER  I. 
Struggles  and  Trials  of  Early  Life 9 

CHAPTER  II. 
College  Days 16 

CHAPTER  III. 
The  Return  to  Georgia 27 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Called  to  Preach  the  Gospel 32 

CHAPTER  V. 
Marriage.     Election  to  Professorship  in  Mercer  Uni- 
versity.    Ordination 45 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Pastoral  Work 54 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Difficulties  in  Mercer  University,  Followed  by  His 
Resignation  75 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
Honors 103 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Controversies 108 

CHAPTER  X. 
Amusing  Incidents  125 


Tl  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XL                               page. 
The  War 1 35 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Abilities  as  a  Presiding  Officer 149 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Removal  of  Mercer  University 170 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Illness 178 

CHAPTER  XV. 
Publications 184 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
Election  as  Chancellor  of  the  University  of  Georgia  .  .187 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
Dormitory  System 191 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Election  as  Professor  of  Theology  in   Mercer  Uni- 
versity   207 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
Efforts  Towards  Completing  the  Technological  School 
as  a  Department  of  the  University  of  Georgia 215 

CHAPTER  XX. 
College  Government 218 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
Last  Illness  and  Death 244 

.CHAPTER  XXII. 
Memorials 252 


PREFACE. 


The  work  of  compiling  this  biography  has 
been  one  of  peculiar  pleasure  to  the  writer. 
His  own  affection  and  veneration  for  his  noble 
father  have  been  greatly  intensified  by  the  close 
study  of  this  admirable  character. 

There  was  a  certain  degree  of  hesitation  in 
undertaking  the  work,  and  considerable  embar- 
rassment during  its  progress,  for  fear  that  the 
partiality  of  the  son  would  overdraw  the  admir- 
able traits  of  the  father.  Because  of  this  em- 
barrassment the  author  has,  in  many  instances, 
simply  incorporated  documents  and  opinions 
from  others  without  comment,  feeling  satisfied 
that  this  evidence  would  speak  in  su£ficiently 
forcible  language. 

Dr.  Mell  was  so  often  thrown  into  controversy 
with  his  brethren  in  discussing  great  questions 
of  religious  and  secular  importance  that  it  has 
been  difficult  to  avoid  personal  allusions.  It  is 
hoped  these  may  not  be  misconstrued  and  open 
anew  long  buried  unpleasant  differences  which 
time  and  circumstances  have  healed  and  recon- 
ciled. 


Viii  PREFACE 

Another  difficulty  in  the  way  of  the  writer  has 
been  the  proper  selection  of  what  should  go  into 
the  book  among  so  much  that  is  interesting  and 
valuable. 

The  life  portrayed  in  these  pages  was  varied 
and  active.  This  man  was  distinguished  as  a 
preacher  of  the  Gospel,  an  educator,  an  author 
and  a  parliamentarian,  and  much  of  interest 
could  be  written  of  him  in  each  of  these  fields 
of  labor. 

This  book  is  now  given  to  the  public  with  the 
hope  that  it  may  receive  the  approval  of  the 
friends  and  admirers  of  Dr.  Mell.  And  perhaps 
some  young  man  struggling  with  poverty,  and 
endeavoring  to  rise  in  spite  of  adverse  surround- 
ings, may  derive  lasting  encouragement  from 
these  pages;  and  be  stimulated  to  follow  the 
example  of  this  noble  Christian. 

He  died  in  the  evening  of  his  days  and  his  last 
strength  was  given  to  his  Father's  work;  like 
Paul,  he  could  say,  "I  have  fought  a  good  fight, 
I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the 
faith.  ^' 

P.  H.  MELL,  Jr. 


CHAPTER  I. 

STRUGGLES   AND   TRIALS   OF   EARLY   LIFE. 

Patrick  Hues  Mell  was  born  July  l&th, 
1814,  in  Walthourville,  Liberty  county,  Georgia. 
His  father.  Major  Benjamin  Mell,  was  raised  at 
Laurel  Hill,  one  mile  from  Midway  Church;  and 
his  mother,  Cynthia  Sumner  Mell,  was  the  grand- 
daughter of  Edward  Sumner,  who  moved  from 
South  Carolina  to  Liberty  county  with  the  early 
settlers  of  that  portion  of  Georgia.  Cynthia 
Sumner  was  married  to  Major  Benjamin  Mell  on 
the  19th  of  February,  1807,  and  by  this  union 
were  born  four  sons  and  four  daughters.  P.  H. 
Mell  was  the  second  in  age,  and  the  eldest 
son. 

Major  Mell,  upon  the  death  of  his  father,  suc- 
ceeded to  a  large  and  valuable  property  that 
enabled  him  to  supply  his  family  with  many  of 
the  comforts  of  life.  He  was  a  very  liberal  man, 
sympathetic  by  nature,  and  generous  to  a  fault. 
This  disposition  induced  him  to  stand  security 
in  an  evil  hour  for  one  who  commanded  his  sym- 
pathy. The  sum  involved  was  a  large  one,  and 
the  party  failing  to  meet  the  obligations  when 
the  note  fell  due.  Major  Mell  was  compelled  to 


10  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

pay  the  security,  and  his  property  was  so  much 
involved  that  he  was  unable  to  extricate  himself. 
The  greater  part  of  his  estate  was  swept  away 
and  his  family  was  placed  in  straitened  circum- 
stances. This  financial  reversal  produced  such 
an  effect  upon  his  mind  that  his  health  gave 
way  and  within  two  years  he  died.  His  wife 
followed  him  two  or  three  years  later.  P.  H. 
Mell,  being  the  eldest  son,  the  support  and 
care  of  the  family  fell  upon  his  shoulders. 
When  his  father  died  he  was  only  fourteen 
years  of  age,  and  but  sixteen  or  seventeen  at 
the  time  of  his  mothers  death.  He  was  thus 
deprived  of  his  greatest  source  of  comfort  and 
strength.  A  mere  youth  without  experience, 
he  was  forced  to  rely  solely  upon  his  native 
genius  to  provide  a  means  of  support  for  him- 
self and  dependent  brothers  and  sisters.  He 
gave  up  the  small  remnant  of  his  share  of  the 
property,  saved  by  his  father  from  the  wreck, 
to  the  support  of  his  brothers  and  sisters,  and 
started  out  with  the  determination  to  obtain 
an  education,  and  as  far  as  possible  recover 
the  social  position  and  property  that  had 
been  lost  by  his  father's  misfortune.  During 
the  life  of  his  parents  he  was  given  the  ad- 
vantages of  good  schooling  and  a  thorough 
foundation  was  laid  upon  which  to  build  the 
excellent  education  that  in  after  years  he 
successfully  acquired.     With   this  preparatory 


STRUGGLES  AND  TRIALS  OF  EARLY  LIFE.     11 

training  to  start  with,  at  seventeen  years  of  age 
he  taught,  for  a  time,  a  primary  school  in  a  log 
hut  with  a  dirt  floor  and  thus  secured  the  funds 
required  to  supply  the  absolute  necessities  of 
life,  and  was  enabled  also  to  add  a  small  sum  to 
the  income  for  the  benefit  of  his  brothers  and 
sisters.  In  Walthourville,  his  native  place,  there 
was  an  excellent  English  and  Classical  Academy 
in  which  he  soon  obtained  entrance  as  a  scholar 
where  he  paid  for  his  instruction  by  teaching 
some  of  the  primary  classes.  Among  his  school- 
mates in  boyhood  was  Dr.  John  Jones,  the 
eminent  Presbyterian  minister.  Dr.  Jones,  in 
writing  to  a  friend  since  Dr.  Mell's  death,  and 
speaking  of  this  early  time,  says: 

"His  becoming  a  Baptist  minister  may  be  attributed  to 
the  fact  that  a  few  members  of  old  Midway  church,  (the 
Sumners  among  them,)  joined  a  Baptist  church  which 
was  organized  at  Sunbury,  Liberty  county,  Georgia,  in 
the  early  part  of  this  century.  My  impression  is  that  Dr. 
Mell's  father  was  not  a  church  member.*  His  mother 
was  a  woman  of  marked  individuality  of  character,  intel- 
lectual and  a  truly  Godly  woman,  brought  up  in  the  strict- 
est mode  of  old  Congregationalism,  and,  no  doubt,  per- 
fectly familiar  with  the  Westminster  Shorter  Catechism, 
which  was  thoroughly  taught  in  old  Midway  church  in 
ancient  and  in  modern  times.  Dr.  Mell  was  all  Sumner, 
a  perfect  reproduction  of  his  mother,  in  form,  in  features, 
in  character  and  in  mind,  proving  the  old  saying:  'that 
men  of  mark  are  chiefly  indebted  to  their  mothers  for 

*  It  is  true,  as  Dr.  Jones  states,  that  Major  Mell  was  not  a  mem- 
ber of  the  church,  but  he  professed  conversion  and  was  a  regular 
attendant  on  divine  services  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Sunbury. 
I  suppose  his  ancestors  were  members  of  the  Episcopal  Denomina- 
tion because  his  father  descended  from  the  English  Cavalier  stock. 


12  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

their  superiority.'  Dr.  Mell  manifested  in  early  life  an 
unusual  love  for  knowledge,  with  great  ability  in  acquir- 
ing all  the  branches  of  learning.  But  the  distinguishing 
characteristic  of  the  man  was  self  reliance,  autonomy;  he 
was  ever  brave  and  hopeful,  I  never  saw  him  depressed, 
although  surrounded  in  early  life  by  great  dojnestic 
pressure  caused  by  financial  losses  and  changed  circum- 
stances.    Dr.  Mell  was  indeed  a  remarkable  man." 

In  conversation  with  Dr.  Jones  he  said  that 
Mell  was  a  leader  among  the  school  boys;  and 
although  of  slender  frame  he  was  vigorous, 
active  and  high  spirited,  and  ever  ready  and 
prompt  not  only  to  resent  an  insult  to  himself 
but  also  to  defend  his  friends,  especially  those 
who  were  weaker  than  the  oppressor.  He  had  a 
strong  sense  of  justice  and  was  frequently  the 
referee  for  school  boy  differences.  Besides  this 
his  intelligence,  vivacity  and  ready  wit  made 
him  a  most  agreeable  companion.  When  he 
made  a  promise  he  fulfilled  it;  he  was  true  to  his 
friends,  and  his  integrity  won  the  love  and  con- 
fidence of  his  schoolmates. 

After  remaining  at  the  Walthourville  school 
for  a  short  time,  P.  H.  Mell  was  offered  a  good 
position  in  the  Academy  at  the  Ridge  near 
Darien.  This  Academy  was  under  the  direction 
of  Col.  Bradwell,  and  Mr.  Mell  continued  his 
studies  under  him  and  paid  for  the  tuition  by 
acting  as  Assistant  in  the  school. 

Before  his  mother's  death,  and  while  attending 
school  at  the  "Sand  Hills,"  he  received  the  fol- 


STRUGGLES  AND  TRIALS  OF  EARLY  LIFE.     13 

lowing  letter  from  her  which  shows  so  clearly 
how  anxious  she  was  that  her  son  should  grow 
up  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  and  give  his  entire 
life  to  the  Master's  service. 

'October  13th,  1829. 
My  Dear  Boy: — 

It  is  hig'h  time  that  you  and  I  should  com- 
municate frequently  and  intimately  and  confidentially. 
If  this  is  not  to  be  expected  by  the  time  you  have  arrived 
at  fifteen  when  is  it  to  be  looked  for?  On  one  account  I 
have  more  anxiety,  and  even  dread  on  your  behalf  than 
for  any  of  my  children.  Earnestly  as  I  wish  a  son  of  mine 
to  be  a  minister  yet  I  tremble  at  the  idea  of  educating- 
and  devoting-  a  son  to  the  sacred  profession  without  pre- 
viously satisfactory  evidence  that  his  own  soul  was  right 

with  God My  heart  burns  to  see  you  in  every  sense  of 

the  word  a  true  Christian.  You  cannot  oblige  me  more 
than  by  giving  me  the  history  of  your  heart  at  different 
times.  I  have  known  too  little  of  you,  my  child.  Let 
that  ignorance  on  my  part  cease.  I  have  loved  you  from 
your  birth,  and  have  watched  over  you  until  now  with  the 
tenderest  affection,  but  feel  my  own  deficiency  in  not 
communing  more  with  you  on  the  state  of  your  mind. 
You  should  exercise  a  jealousy  over  yourself  lest  the 
trifles  of  this  world  should  deaden  your  feelings  about 
the  grand  question:  what  are  the  chances  of  my  salva- 
tion— what  have  I  done — what  must  I  do  to  be  saved? 
Important  questions.  Other  studies  are  very  commend- 
able and  right,  but  let  those  which  tend  directly  to  relig- 
ious subjects  have  the  first  place  in  your  thoughts  and 
affections Let  these  pages,  my  dear  boy,  be  a  testi- 
mony before  God,  and  keep  them  as  a  sign  between  you 
and  me,  that  I  am  in  earnest  as  to  a  subject  where  indif- 
ference would  be  sin.  I  have  long  been  studying  your 
character  in  respect  to  your  common  life  and  particularly 
in  reference  to  this  point:  remember  they  that  are  Christ's 
have  crucified  their  affections  and  lusts — crucify  your''s. 


14  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Pursue  your  studies  with  diligence.     You  may  do  great 
things  for  yourself,  even  without  help — although  I  grant 

much  better  with  it Believe  me  to  be  ever  your 

affectionate 

Mother  Cynthia  Mell." 

Mrs.  Mell's  mind  seemed  to  be  so  full  of  the 
desire  that  her  son  should  not  only  give  himself 
to  God  but  also  become  a  minister  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  that  she  wrote  him  again  on  the 
following  day  to  the  one  on  which  the  above 
letter  was  written  and  presented  the  question  to 
him  in  this  manner: 

"You  have  arrived  at  an  age  when  I  wish  you  to  be- 
come my  bosom  friend  and  companion  in  all  things,  but 
above  all,  in  those  things  which  belong  to  your  everlast- 
ing peace.  I  have  sometimes  feared  that  other  subjects 
have  occupied  youi-  thoughts,  and  yet  I  have  the  firmest 
hope  that  your  mind  is  truly  sensible  of  the  value  and 
importance  of  divine  things.  I  cannot  but  hope  that  you 
sometimes  lift  up  your  heart  in  prayer,  and  that  your 
affections  are  somewhat  directed  towards  divine  truth.  I 
cannot  express  to  you  how  much  the  belief  comforts  and 
strengthens  my  mind.  None  but  God  knows  what  my 
feeling  has  been  on  that  point.  It  must  ever  be  kept  in 
mind  that  the  mere  study  of  the  ministry,  however  valu- 
able in  the  individual,  will  not  suffice,  but  consecration 
to  God  must  be  had  before  he  or  another  for  him  fixes  on 
the  ministry  for  his  profession.  And  I  shall  not  hesitate 
to  say  to  you  that  honored  and  happy  as  I  should  feel  in 
being  permitted  to  see  you  a  faithful  preacher  of  right- 
eousness, adorning  the  gospel  which  you  would  proclaim 
to  others,  yet  without  this  I  would  rather  a  thousand 
times  see  you  in  the  humblest  station  in  life.  I  will  not 
conceal  from  you  any  longer  my  anxiety  for  you  to  become 
a  minister,  yet  I  dare  not  decide  on  such  a  jilan  without 


STRUGGLES  AND  TRIALS  OF  EARLY  LIFE.     15 

much  more  clear  evidence  than  I  have  yet  seen,  that  your 
actual  state,  feeling  and  conduct,  temper  and  conversation, 
habitual  and  fixed  thoughts,  are  such  as  will  justify  me  in 
doing  so.  I  say  this  with  anxiety,  and  write  with  fear, 
but  I  say  it  with  earnest  prayers  for  the  real  conversion 
of  your  soul  to  God,  and  with  some  hope  that  he  will  hear 
the  petition  that  I  have  endeavored  to  offer  up  for  you  for 
many  years  back.  I  will  repeat:  I  can  never  consent  for. 
you  to  study  for  the  ministry  until  I  have  some  satisfac- 
tory proof  of  your  heart  being  turned  to  God  in  holy  con- 
sistency and  permanency  of  character." 

The  anxiety  and  love  so  strongly  shown  in 
these  letters  go  to  prove  how  potent  are  the 
prayers,  the  earnest  solicitations  and  Christian 
influence  of  a  mother's  life  over  the  future  well- 
being  and  good  fortunes  of  a  loved  son.  The 
mother  did  not  live  to  see  the  fruits  of  her  work 
on  the  young  life,  but  the  long  years  of  useful- 
ness vouchsafed  Dr.  Mell  and  these  years  too 
so  closely  crowded  with  interesting  incidents, 
show  how  great  was  the  harvest  that  came  from 
the  seed  his  mother  so  carefully  planted  in  the 
rich  soil.  God  answered  her  prayers  by  giving 
to  the  country  a  noble  life,  the  influence  of  which 
was  felt  for  more  than  fifty  years  through  the 
length  and  breadth  of  this  Southern  land. 

In  1832,  three  years  after  the  dates  of  the 
above  letters,  Mr.  Mell  was  baptized  at  North 
New  Port  Baptist  Church,  in  Liberty  County, 
by  the  pastor.  Rev.  Josiah  Samuel  Law. 


16  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MEL.L.. 


CHAPTER  II. 

COLLEGE    DAYS. 

The  young  man's  earnest  struggles  for  an 
education  and  the  display  of  his  indomitable 
energy,  attracted  the  attentien  of  a  wealthy 
gentleman,  Hon.  Geo.  W.  Walthour,  who  lived 
in  the  same  town.  He  offered  to  pay  the  ex- 
penses of  a  collegiate  course  and  Mr.  Mell  read- 
ily accepted  the  kind  assistance.  This  was  in 
1833.  Amherst  College,  in  Massachusetts,  was 
selected  by  P.  H.  Mell  because  the  expenses 
there  were  less  than  at  any  other  college  of 
equal  grade.  He  was  anxious  to  incur  as  little 
outlay  as  possible  because  he  had  the  hope  that 
he  would  be  able  to  return  the  money  so  kindly 
loaned  him  by  Mr.  Walthour.  At  the  opening 
of  this  Institution,  in  the  fall  of  1833,  P.  H.  Mell 
entered  the  freshman  class  when  he  was  nine- 
teen years  of  age.  In  order  to  reduce  the  draft 
made  on  his  friend  as  much  as  possible,  he 
would  teach  during  the  vacation  and  six  weeks 
into  the  term  and  would  keep  up  with  his  class 
by  studying  the  topics  pursued  and  then  stand 
an  examination  on  his  return  to  college.  He 
was  a  very  spirited  young  man,   with  a  keen 


COLLEGE   DAYS.  17 

sense  of  independence,  and  was  unwilling  to 
receive  any  more  money  from  his  benefactor  in 
Georgia  than  was  absolutely  necessary  for  his 
immediate  wants.  The  determination  w^as  early 
formed  that  the  sums  thus  generously  advanced 
to  him  should  be  returned  as  soon  after  leaving 
college  as  he  could  make  the  money. 

The  following  incidents  occurred  while  Mr. 
Mell  was  a  student  at  Amherst.  They  are  given 
in  this  connection  to  show  the  keen  sense  of  his 
own  rights  and  the  high  spirit  and  independ- 
ence that  were  so  characteristic  of  the  man  dur- 
ing his  whole  lifetime. 

Not  long  after  entering  he  was  walking  on  the 
streets  of  the  town  with  some  of  the  boys,  when 
they  noticed  a  large  negro  approaching  them 
with  a  swaggering,  self-important  gait.  This 
negro  was  the  bully  of  the  town;  most  of  the 
students  seemed  to  be  afraid  of  him  and  he  fully 
recognized  his  supremacy.  He  was  accustomed 
to  see  the  boys  give  him  the  sidewalk  whenever 
they  met.  Young  Mell  was  not  cognizant  of 
this  state  of  affairs;  and  living  at  the  South,  he 
was  raised  to  believe  that  the  negro  was  of  an 
inferior  race,  and  must  always  show  the  white 
man  the  respect  due  him  on  account  of  his  supe- 
rior station.  So  that  when  this  burly  fellow 
approached  them  on  the  streets  of  Amherst  Mr. 
Mell  expected  nothing  else  but  that  the  side- 
walk would  be  yielded  to  the  white  boys.     The 


18  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

young  Southerner  was  all  the  more  amazed  and 
indignant  when  the  impudent  negro,  not  only 
refused  to  give  the  right  of  way,  but  brushed 
against  him  and  spun  him  around.  This  indig- 
nity so  roused  his  anger  that  he  impetuously 
sprang  on  the  negro  and  gave  him  a  violent 
blow  between  the  eyes  before  he  had  time  to 
collect  himself.  Blow  after  blow  followed  upon 
head  and  eyes  until  the  man  was  brought  to  his 
knees.  Young  Mell  then  placing  his  hand  in 
his  pocket  as  though  he  would  draw  a  pistol, 
said:  "Now,  you  black  rascal,  hereafter  when- 
ever you  pass  me  if  you  do  not  give  me  the 
right  of  way  you  will  rue  it.  Now  leave  or  I 
will  do  you  bodily  harm."  The  negro,  ever 
after  was  polite  and  humble  whenever  he  met 
Mr.  Mell.  As  soon  as  the  encounter  occurred 
the  other  boys  took  to  their  heels  and  left  Mell 
to  fight  it  out  by  himself. 

Prof.  Fiske  was  the  Professor  of  Physics  in 
the  college  and  he  was  entrusted  with  the  money 
that  Mr.  Walthour  gave  Mr.  Mell  for  his  ex- 
penses. This  gentleman  was  also  a  minister, 
and  while  preaching  one  Sunday  to  the  students, 
he  took  occasion  to  say  some  things  concerning 
slavery  that  were  very  obnoxious  to  the  South- 
ern young  men  who  were  in  his  audience.  Mr. 
Mell  turned  to  one  of  his  companions  and  said 
he  would  not  remain  any  longer  to  be  insulted, 
and   immediately  rose   and  walked  out  of  the 


COLLEGE    DAYS. 


19 


room.  The  next  day  the  young  man  was  sent 
for  by  the  Professor  and  was  asked  why  he  left 
during  the  services;  the  reply  came  promptly: 
"Whenever  any  indignity  was  cast  upon  South- 
ern institutions  the  Professor  must  not  expect 
Southern  young  men  to  stand  by  quietly  and 
give  their  endorsement  thereto. "  This  offended 
the  Professor  very  much  and  he  reproved  Mr. 
Mell  for  what  he  was  pleased  to  call  his  dis- 
orderly conduct. 

A  lecturer  from  South  Carolina  came  to  Am- 
herst and  advertised  that  he  would  lecture  on 
some  theme  of  popular  interest.  Some  of  the 
Southern  youths,  among  them  Mr.  Mell,  called 
on  him  and  took  him  under  their  special  care 
and  entertained  him  while  he  remained  in  the 
town.  The  first  night  the  house  was  well  filled 
and  the  lecture  was  greatly  enjoyed  by  all. 
On  the  second  'evening,  however,  the  lecturer 
took  occasion  to  allude  to  some  subject  that  was- 
specially  obnoxious  to  the  audience;  this  infuri- 
ated the  people  and  the  speaker  was  silenced  by 
hisses  and  rotten  eggs.  Mr.  Mell,  with  some  of 
his  Southern  friends,  occupied  seats  on  the) 
stage.  The  offensive  utterances  of  the  speaker, 
they  very  much  regretted  and  condemned,  but 
they  thought  it  would  be  unmanly  to  desert  him 
now  and  leave  him  to  the  rough  treatment  of 
some  of  the  ill  disposed  in  his  audience.  The 
people  left  the  hall  in  confusion.     A  mob  gath- 


20  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

ered  at  the  door  to  take  the  man  in  hand  when 
he  should  leave  the  house.  Although  the  stu- 
dents were  very  much  ashamed  of  their  prot6g6 
yet  they  felt  honor  required  them  to  stand  by 
the  lecturer  through  the  trouble  and  as  far  as 
possible  relieve  the  embarrassment.  After  a 
hurried  consultation  the  popular  (?)  lecturer  was 
rushed  out  the  back  part  of  the  building,  and 
the  students,  with  Mell  at  their  head,  placed 
themselves  at  the  front  door  and  at  a  given  sig- 
nal, threw  themselves  suddenly  into  the  midst 
of  the  crowd,  yelling  and  brandishing  sticks  and 
producing  the  utmost  confusion.  The  boys  were 
thus  enabled  to  escape  in  the  darkness  from  the 
struggling  mass  of  people.  The  Faculty  learn- 
ing of  the  disturbance  wrote  to  the  parents  and 
guardians  of  the  boys  and  advised  them  of  the 
unruly  conduct  of  their  wards.  Col.  Walthour, 
in  a  strong  letter  to  young  Mell,  reprimanded 
him  severely  and  threatened  to  withdraw  his 
support  if  he  did  not  reform.  This  gentleman 
would  not  listen  to  an  explanation  and  thus 
roused  the  just  indignation  of  the  young  man, 
who  was  the  perfect  soul  of  honor,  and  he  re- 
solved to  decline  all  proffers  of  future  assist- 
ance. 

Several  days  after  the  above  occurrence,  Mr. 
Mell  was  walking  down  the  college  campus,  and 
just  as  he  passed  a  room  in  which  the  Freshman 
Class  was  holding  a  meeting,  a  young  man  of 


COLLEGE   DAYS.  21 

the  Sophomore  Class  threw  open  the  door  and 
cast  a  handful  of  pebbles  on  the  heads  of  the 
inmates,  doing  some  damage  to  the  property. 
This  boy  then  ran  away  leaving  Mell  very  near 
the  open  door.  The  Freshmen  rushed  out  and 
surrounded  him  and  asked  him  if  he  did  the 
deed.  "Oh  no,"  he  replied.  "Who  did  it  then?" 
they  asked.  But  he  refused  to  tell,  and  the  boys 
proposed  to  mob  him  and  force  him  to  tell  who 
committed  the  outrage.  But  Mell  quietly  told 
them  he  was  not  responsible  for  the  damage 
done  and  the  first  man  who  laid  hands  on  him 
would  suffer.  He  would  not  submit  to  any  in- 
dignity from  them  without  a  desperate  struggle. 
His  determined  air,  and  the  reputation  he  had 
already  made  in  the  college  as  a  cool-headed, 
dangerous  man  when  aroused,  made  the  boys 
hesitate.  Some  of  the  Southern  boys  <of  the 
Freshman  Class  cheered  the  intrepid  young 
man  and  iihmediately  stepped  to  his  side 
with  the  statement  that  he  was  right  in  his  pos- 
ition and  they  would  stand  by  him.  This  man- 
ifestation put  a  quietus  on  the  crowd  and  they 
permitted  Mell  to  pass  on  his  way  unmolested. 
The  Faculty  soon  learned  of  the  trouble  also  and 
sent  word  to  Mr.  Mell  to  appear  before  them  to 
answer  to  certain  charges  made  against  him  for 
insubordination  and  disorderly  conduct.  When 
he  came  in  their  presence  the  President  asked 


22  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

him  if  he  had  committed  the  outrage  on  the 
young  men. 

"I  did  not,"  replied  Mell. 

"Do  you  know  who  was  responsible  for  it." 

"I  do,"  replied  the  young  man. 

"Then  who  was  it?"  asked  the  President. 

'  'I  have  too  high  a  regard  for  honor  to  betray 
one  of  my  fellow-students,"  replied  Mr.  Mell. 
"I  am  sorry,  however,  that  the  damage  was 
done,  and  I  think  the  boy  should  be  punished; 
but  the  gentlemen  of  the  Faculty  must  excuse 
me  from  giving  them  information  that  will  in- 
volve one  of  my  comrades.  I  am  perfectly  inno- 
cent of  this  disturbance." 

The  President  then  responded:  "You  must 
tell  us." 

'  'Must  is  a  strong  word,  Sir,  but  I  do  not  see 
how  y©u  will  enforce  it." 

"Well,  young  man,  if  you  do  not  give  the  in- 
formation sought  for,  you  will  be  dismissed." 

'  'You  have  that  power.  Sir,  but  the  threat  has 
not  the  slightest  effect  upon  my  determination," 
replied  Mr.  Mell,  and  he  left  the  room. 

He  retired  to  his  quarters  and  made  his  prep- 
arations to  leave  at  any  time  because  he  sup- 
posed the  Faculty  would  certainly  dismiss  him. 
But  so  far  as  he  was  concerned  the  matter  was 
dropped.  Professor  Fiske  wrote  to  Col.  Wal- 
thour  and  complained  that  Mr.  Mell  was  not 
only  unruly  but  was  spending  too  much  money. 


COLLEGE   DAYS.  23 

In  the  account  he  gave  was  one  item  of  $11.00 
for  travelling;  while  it  was  a  fact  that  this  money 
was  used  to  defray  the  necessary  expenses  in- 
curred in  reaching  his  summer  schools  and  thus 
aided  him  in  paying  his  own  way  and  reducing 
the  draft  on  Col.  Walthour.  His  patron  wrote 
him  again  protesting  against  such  extravagance, 
in  spite  of  the  statement  given  by  the  young  man 
concerning  the  use  made  of  the  money.  Mell 
then  instantly  broke  off  all  communication  with 
him,  and  going  to  Professor  Fiske  he  said:  "I 
suppose  now,  Sir,  you  are  satisfied."  Professor 
Fiske  grew  angry  and  threatened  him.  The 
young  man  at  once  left  college  without  leave, 
with  only  $5.00  in  his  pocket  which  he  had 
obtained  from  the  sale  of  his  effects.  His  means 
being  so  limited  he  walked  to  Springfield,  Mass., 
twenty  miles  distant,  enquired  for  a  school  and 
found  one  in  West  Springfield,  which  was  indica- 
ted to  him  by  the  hotel  proprietor  of  the  town. 
He  went  to  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees and  asked  for  a  position  in  the  school,  and 
stated  that  he  was  from  the  South;  that  he  was 
a  student  in  Amherst  College,  and  had  left  with- 
out permission.  He  refused,  however,  to  give 
the  reasons  except  to  say,  that  he  had  not  com- 
mitted any  deed  that  the  most  honorable  man 
would  be  ashamed  of.  He  desired  to  make  a 
living  and  would  try  to  give  satisfaction  if  they 
would  assigA  him  a  position  in  the  school.     The 


24  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL.      ^ 

gentleman  was  so  favorably  impressed  by  his 
open,  manly  bearing  and  earnest  determination 
to.  make  his  way  in  the  world  that  he  told  him 
there  was  a  vacancy  in  the  school  and  he  should 
have  it.     This  occurred  in  1835. 

Mr.  Mell  spent  one  year  in  this  Institution; 
then  yielding  to  solicitations  he  became  Associate 
Principal  of  the  High  School  at  East  Hartford, 
Connecticut,  in  1836.  There  he  continued  also 
one  year.  While  in  this  town  he  met  Col.  Mc 
Allister,  a  wealthy  gentleman  of  Savannah, 
Georgia,  who  was  accustomed  to  spend  a  part 
of  each  year  with  his  family  in  Hartford  where 
he  owned  a  dwelling.  This  gentleman  was  a 
most  intimate  friend  of  Major  Benjamin  Mell. 
Learning  that  the  son  of  his  friend  was  in  the 
town  teaching,  he  sent  for  him  and  soon  learned 
all  about  his  troubles  and  struggles  against 
almost  insurmountable  obstacles.  He  became 
very  much  interested  in  the  young  man  and 
offered  to  send  him  to  Yale  College  and  pay  all 
his  expenses.  But  the  recent  experience  at  Am- 
herst had  convinced  Mr.  Mell  that  it  was  not 
wise  to  be  under  any  more  obligations  in  a  pecu- 
niary way  and  he  declined  the  kind  offer.  Mr. 
McAllister  insisted,  but  it  was  of  no  avail.  He, 
however,  befriended  the  young  man  in  so  many 
ways,  and  exhibited  such  a  deep,  personal  in- 
terest in  his  welfare,  that  an  indelible  impres- 
sion was  made  on   the  youth's  m^nd,   and  the 


COLLEGE    DAYS.  25 

kindness  was  gratefully  remembered  through 
all  the  many  years  Dr.  Mell  lived.  Declining  an 
offer  from  the  leading  public  school  in  Hartford, 
Conn.,  he  returned  to  his  home  in  Georgia  in  the 
latter  part  of  1837. 

Dr.  B.  M.  Palmer,  of  New  Orleans,  the  emi- 
nent Presbyterian  Divine,  was  in  college  with 
Mr.  Mell  at  Amherst.  He  also  left  college  be- 
fore graduating  and  for  several  years  taught  a 
school  in  Charleston,  S.  C.  While  in  that  city 
he  wrote  to  Mr.  Mell  a  letter  from  which  the 
following  extracts  have  been  taken.  The  letter 
was  dated  December  11th,  1835,  and  was  written 
while  Mr.  Mell  was  in  West  Springfield. 

"Dear  Mell: 

There  was  a  tinge  of  melancholy  pervading- 
your  letter  and  enveloping  your  naturally  lovely  strain  in 
its  sombre  hues.  Why,  cheer  uj),  man!  'Tis  true  your 
case  looks  dark  and  uninviting,  but  not  so  gloomy  as  to 
induce  despair.  I  regret,  Mell,  I  truly  regret,  your  alter- 
cation with  Fiske  ....  The  public  have  invested 
the  Faculty  of  every  college  with  supreme  authority,  and 
any  attempt  to  resist  that  authority  is  but  kicking  against 
the  pricks  ....  And  I  do  not  wonder  that  you  feel 
badly  when  this  thought,  this  reflection  forces  itself  upon 
you.  But  give  me  leave,  my  dear  friend,  without  the 
imputation  of  flattery,  which  I  detest,  to  express  admir- 
ation at  the  course  of  conduct  you  have  pursued.  Believe 
me,  Mell,  as  I  read  of  your  troubles  and  your  conduct  in 
them,  I  felt  you  were  possessed  of  that  true,  ingenuous, 
disinterested  spirit  which  Southerners  boastingly  claim. 
Does  not  the  thought,  let  me  ask,  that  you  ai'e  free  and 
unshackled,  that  you  are  dependent  upon  the  bounty  of  no 
«  one,  amply  repay  you  for  the  toil,  the  care,  the  anxiety 


26  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

which  necessarily  devolve  upon  you  in  your  hard  situa- 
tion? ....  Though  the  current  may  sometimes 
sweep  strong  against  you,  nay  more,  may  sometimes  ap- 
parently overwhelm  you,  still  the  thought  that  you  can 
and  do  stem  it,  and  that  too  unaided  by  others,  will  amply 
repay  your  toil." 


THE  RETURN  TO  GEORGIA.  27 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE  RETURN  TO  GEORGIA. 

In  West  Springfield  there  was  a  family  by  the 
name  of  Williams  with  whom  P.  H.  Mell  board- 
ed while  he  was  teaching  in  that  town.  He  be- 
came very  much  attached  to  the  members  of 
that  family  and  often  spoke  of  them  in  after  years 
with  affection.  The  gentleman,  Mr.  L.  Williams, 
was  particularly  kind  to  the  young  man  by  tak- 
ing him  into  his  family  and  extending  to  him  all 
the  considerate  feeling  and  affectionate  attention 
characteristic  of  such  a  kind  hearted  man.  On 
July  the  16th,  1837,  just  before  returning  to  his 
home  in  Georgia,  Mr.  Mell  wrote  the  following 
letter  to  Mr.  Williams,  from  Newbury  Port,  which 
shows  his  appreciation  of  the  sympathy  and 
friendship  of  these  noble  people: 

"My  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  just  received  your  very  kind  letter 
and  hasten  to  answer  it  before  I  leave.  I  start  from  this 
place  for  New  York  to-morrow.  I  am  very  much  indebted 
to  you  for  your  characteristic  offer  to  me  to  make  your 
house  my  home.  I  can  never  cease  to  remember  with  the 
liveliest  emotions  the  kind  sympathy  you  and  Mrs.  Will- 
iams have  ever  exhibited  to  me,  an  outcast  from  friends. 
But  I  will  not  undertake  to  express  myself,  for  I  know  I 


28  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

cannot  do  justice  to  ray  feelings.  The  time  I  spent  at 
your  house  I  can  never  cease  1o  i-emember,  for  it  was  the 
most  gloomy  and  yet  one  of  the  happiest  periods  of  my 
life — gloomy  on  account  of  the  coolness,  yea,  injustice  of 
my  former  friends — coolness  the  more  cutting  and  oppress- 
ive from  the  consciousness  on  my  part  of  its  injustice — 
:ind  the  happiest  from  the  unmingled  kindness  I  received 
ia  n,  land  of  strangers — a  kindness  the  more  grateful  to 
me  from  the  consciousness  that  I  had  nothing  to  recom- 
mend me  to  it. 

I  do  not  anticipate  any  very  great  danger  in  going  home 
now,  particularly  if  I  adopt  the  course  I  think  of.  I 
designed  at  first  to  sail  from  New  York  for  Charleston 
and  then  cross  by  railroad  into  the  northern  part  of  the 
State  to  my  uncle's  jilantation,  where  I  will  find  air  very 
similar  to  that  I  now  breathe.  But  I  am  anxious  to  see 
my  brothers  and  sisters  and  have,  thei'efore,  changed  my 
determination  and  shall  sail  for  Savannah,  though  I  shall 
remain  with  them  not  more  than  a  week.  I  think  I  had 
better  not  be  throwing  away  my  time  in  New  England 
any  longer  when  it  is  so  difficult  to  obtain  a  lucrative  pos- 
ition. My  feelings  are  not  at  all  changed  in  reference 
to  the  treatment  I  have  received  from  the  hands  of  my 
'friends.'  I  go  home,  but  I  do  so  neither  to  solicit  nor 
to  accept  any  assistance  from  them.  Nothing  calls  me 
there  but  a  desire  to  see  again  my  brothers  and  sisters. 
When  that  is  accomplished  I  shall  shape  my  course  for 
my  uncle's,  who  has  given  me  an  urgent  invitation  to  da 
so.  After  which  the  world  will  be  before  me.  It  owes 
me  a  living  and  shall  e'en  give  it  me.  This  is  what  I 
used  to  say,  but  I  wonder  if  it  has  not  stopped  payment 
too?  I  have  been  more  than  half  induced  to  suspect  that 
mother  earth  has  followed  the  example  of  the  banks.  At 
least  she  pj-otests  all  my  drafts.  I  believe  the  world  is  a 
monster.  I  wish  General  Jackson,  seeing  he  has  nothing 
else  to  do,  would  look  into  it.  One  thing  certain,  I  shall 
never  trust  any  more  to  its  '■proinissory  notes.''  It  has 
been  nothing  but  promise.     Speaking  of  banks  reminds 


THE  RETURN  TO  GEORGIA.  29 

me  of  a  situation  I  got  into  the  other  day  which  illus- 
trated to  me  verj'  clearly  what  a  blessing  our  currency  is 
to  us.  I  got  into  a  gig  here  with  a  friend,  rode  over  to 
Haverhill,  about  fifteen  miles  from  here.  The  day  was 
pleasant,  the  scenery  fine  and  the  ride  in  every  respect 
unexceptionable.  We  arrived  at  the  bridge  which  crosses 
the  Merrimac  and,  good  honest  souls,  were  congratula- 
ting ourselves  ujjon  its  termination  and  our  speedy  enjoy- 
ment of  the  solid  pleasures  contained  in  the  smoke  of 
good  Havanna  cigars,  when,  horrible  to  relate,  we  could 
not  possibly  squeeze  out  money  enough  to  i^ay  our  bridge 
toll.  I  offered  him  a  $3.00  bill  on  a  Rhode  Island  bank, 
then  others  on  commercial  banks  to  the  amount  of  $70.00; 
not  one  would  the  good-for-nothing-fellow  take.  I  said: 
'Stranger,  I  have  nine  cents  in  full  in  change,  you  can 
have  that  and  welcome,  and  I'll  throw  my  jack-knife  in  to 
boot,  or  if  that  won't  content  you,  I'll  make  all  the  atone- 
ment in  ray  power  by  undoing  what  I've  done.  I'll  turn 
my  horse  round  and  ride  back  over  the  bridge  again,  pro- 
vided you  let  me  do  a  little  business  in  town  first,  for  I 
wish  by  all  means  to  satisfy  you.'  The  dear  fellow,  (I 
know  he  was  a  Jackson  man,)  refused  to  take  a  cent,  and 
grinning  from  ear  to  ear,  (that  is  as  near  as  his  cheeks 

would  allow,)  told  us  we  might  pass 

Your  friend, 

P.  H.  Mell." 

This  letter  indicates  to  some  extent  the  effect 
reverses  had  produced  on  the  mind  of  the  young 
man.  Troubles  and  disappointments  had  crowd- 
ed rapidly  along  his  pathway,  and  it  was  natural 
that  in  the  first  part  of  his  letter  a  strain  of  sad- 
ness, and  an  air  of  gloom  should  pervade  it. 
But  the  latter  part,  with  its  thread  of  humor, 
shows  what  a  buoyant  spirit  he  had  and  how 
rapidly  it  reacted  from  under  the  clouds  of  ad- 


30  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

versity.  It  is  very  evident  that  a  man  with  such 
a  character  cannot  be  crushed.  Adversity  and 
disappointments  seemed  to  give  him  renewed 
strength,  and  the  severe  schooling  he  was  pass- 
ing through,  in  tliis  early  stage  of  his  life,  was 
surely  preparing  him  for  the  many  hard  fought 
battles  of  his  later  life. 

When  this  letter  was  written,  as  has  been 
already  stated,  he  was  on  his  way  to  his  South- 
ern home.  After  remaining  in  Walthourville, 
Ga.,  a  short  time,  he  succeeded  in  securing  a 
school  at  Perry's  Mill,  in  Tatnall  County,  Ga., 
and  assumed  charge  of  it  the  first  of  October, 
1837. 

In  October,  1838,  he  accepted  the  school  at 
Ryal's,  in  Montgomery  County,  Ga.,  where  he 
taught  until  February  14th,  1839,  when  he  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Dr.  Few,  President  of 
Emory  College,  at  Oxford,  Ga.,  offering  him  the 
Principalship  of  a  Female  Seminary  the  citizens 
had  decided  to  establish  in  that  town.  Mr. 
William  H.  Mell,  an  uncle  living  at  Oxford, 
wrote  to  Mr.  Mell  urging  him  to  accept.  The 
position  had  been  tendered  him  through  the  in- 
fluence of  Gov.  Troup,  who  met  young  Mell  at 
.Dr.  Perry's,  in  Montgomery  County,  and  became 
interested  in  him  and  gave  him  the  strongest 
recommendation  to  Dr.  Few.  For  some  unex- 
plained reason  the  contemplated  school  was 
never  established.     The  Board  of  Trustees  of 


THE  RETURN  TO  GEORGIA.  81 

Emory  College,  however,  elected  Mr.  Mell  to 
the  position  of  principal  of  the  "Oxford  Class- 
ical and  English  School"  which  was  a  prepar- 
atory school  for  the  college. 


32  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

CALLED  TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL. 

While  living  in  Oxford,  and  on  the  25th  of 
February,  1839,  he  wrote  to  Rev.  Josiah  Samuel 
Law,  pastor  of  the  North  Newport  Baptist 
Church,  in  Liberty  County,  Ga.,  who  baptized 
him  before  he  left  for  Amherst.  The  letter 
shows  how  unsettled  his  mind  had  become  under 
the  strain  of  those  years  of  toil  and  struggle 
against  almost  insurmountable  obstacles.  In 
reading  the  accounts  of  his  early  life  it  seems 
remarkable  that  his  integrity  and  strength  of 
character  were  able  to  withstand  the  great 
strain.  Cast  adrift  among  strangers,  far  from 
kindred  and  friends,  with  no  money  to  meet  the 
necessities  of  life,  and  with  brothers  and  sisters 
in  the  far  Southern  home  dependent  on  him 
alone  for  support,  these  experiences  might  have 
crushed  natures  even  stronger  than  his.  But 
a  wise  Providence  was  watching  over  his  des- 
tiny and  a  merciful  God  had  him  in  the  hollow 
of  his  hand.  Although  he  stumbled  now  and 
then  and  the  waves  swept  over  his  head,  still 
this  letter  shows  that  he  was  brought  through 
in  safety,  and  the  prayers  of  his  mother  were 


CALLED  TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL.      33 

answered:  "My  heart  burns  to  see  you  in  every 
sense  of  the  word  a  Christian."  Parts  of  the 
epistle  show  a  very  desperate  condition  of  mind 
at  the  time,  but  they  represent  a  portion  of  the 
struggle  through  which  Mr.  Mell  had  to  pass, 
and  they  make  the  after  years  of  his  life  appear 
m5re  glorious  in  comparison.  As  has  been 
already  stated,  this  letter  is  to  me,  a  remarkable 
portrayal  of  character,  and  of  God's  dealings 
-with  one  of  whom  much  was  required.  I  ear- 
nestly hope  that  its  jDerusal,  when  taken  in  con- 
nection with  the  long  and  useful  life  of  Dr.  Mell 
may  be  the  means  of  helping  some  who  may  pass 
through  a  similar  experience,  and  enable  them 
to  force  their  way  over  opposing  difficulties. 

"Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: 

You  have  no  doubt  been  aware  from  your 
own  observations,  and  from  the  testimony  of  others,  not- 
withstanding you  have  received  no  confession  from  me  of 
the  fact,  that  I  have  been  for  some  years  past  careless  in 
regard  to  the  interests  of  eternity,  and  a  backslider  from 
the  faith  I  professed.  When  I  gave  up  my  hope  I  was 
absent  from  the  state  and  did  not  inform  you  of  it,  as  I 
thought  (erroneously  I  have  since  been  informed.)  there 
were  but  two  ways,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  church, 
by  which  my  connection  with  it  could  be  dissolved — one, 
by  a  dismission  in  regular  standing,  should  I  wish  to  con- 
nect myself  with  another  body—  and  another  by  excom- 
munication. And  I  supposed  the  latter  to  be  adminis- 
tered only  when  the  member  violated  any  of  the  obvious 
rules  of  morality— or  at  least  such  as  the  church  has  insti- 
tuted to  regulate  his  outward  conduct.  My  object  fn  writ- 
ing to  you  at  present  is  to  ascertain  whether  my  name  is 
3 


34  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

still  on  the  chui-ch  books  so  that  I  may  be  able  to  discover 
what  ray  duty  may  be  under  the  circumstances.  Augustus 
Bacon,  in  a  conversation  I  had  with  him  some  time  since, 
remarked  that  you  had  informed  him  it  had  been  taken 
off  by  my  request;  but  I  think  it  must  be  a  mistake,  as  I 
made  but  one  application  and  that  was  for  permission  to 
connect  myself  with  the  Amherst  Baptist  church,  and  as 
I  heard  nothing  from  you  I  concluded  you  had  not  re- 
ceived it.  I  shall  be  very  much  indebted  to  you  for  an 
immediate  answer  to  this,  and  for  instructions  as  to  what 
course  to  pursue  in  order  to  renew  my  connection  with 
the  church. 

The  Lord  has  dealt  mercifully  with  me  and  has  been 
pleased  to  bring  me  from  the  most  awful  lengths  of  unbe- 
lief and  to  humiliate  me  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  And  I 
think  I  can  say  that  I  have  the  firmest  belief  relying 
humbly  upon  his  promises  that  he  has  for  Christ's  sake 
pardoned  all  my  sins.  It  is  almost  more  than  I  can  real- 
ize, and  when  I  consider  who  I  am  and  what  I  have  been 
and  how  I  have  trifled  with  this  subject  I  am  filled  with 
astonishment  that  I  can  by  possibility  arrive  at  such  a 
state  of  mind  as  to  believe  that  I  have  passed  from  death 
unto  life.  Perhaps  it  is  my  duty  to  narrate  to  you  the 
history  of  my  heart  and  the  dealings  of  the  Lord  with  me. 
And  I  hope  you  will  look  upon  the  following  as  proceed- 
ing from  that  feeling  and  not  view  it  in  the  light  of  obtru- 
sive egotism. 

When  I  connected  myself  with  the  church  I  was  entire- 
ly ignorant  of  the  religion  I  was  professing.  This  I  say 
not  to  clear  myself  from  the  imputation  of  instability  nor 
in  any  measure  as  an  apology,  but  as  an  awful  fact  that  I 
professed  to  believe  in  a  God  of  whom  I  knew  nothing. 
Living  by  faith  in  Christ,  laying  hold  of  his  promises  and 
trusting  him  for  their  fulfilment,  though  read  often  and 
heard  oftener — astonishing  as  it  may  seem  to  you — and  it 
cannot  surprise  you  more  than  it  does  me  now,  I  never 
attached  any  idea  to  as  a  part  of  the  Gospel  plan  and  in- 
stead of  seeKing  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  of  God  which 


CALLED  TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL.      35 

might  bear  witness  with  my  spirit  that  I  was  born  ajj'ain, 
I  looked  to  my  own  animal  feelings  for  the  proof  of  my 
acceptability  with  God — feelings  which  a  pathetic  story, 
theatrical  representations,  and  harmony  of  sound  have 
often  since  produced.  And  I  was  assured  that  all  was 
right  if  I  could  succeed  in  exciting  those  feelings  on  ris- 
ing from  my  bed  in  the  morning  and  on  retiring  at  night, 
especially  if  I  could  have  them  accompanied  by  a  few 
tears.  This,  Sir,  was  my  religion.  This  was  the  sandy 
foundation  on  which  I  built,  and  it  was  not  to  be  wondered 
at  that  the  waves  of  the  world,  beating  on  my  house  should 
overthrow  it.  The  comforts  of  religion  were  to  me  but  a 
name.  I  sought  God's  face,  not  because  I  loved  him  but 
because  I  feared  him.  I  looked  upon  him  not  as  one  who 
could  smile  upon  me  and  bless  me  too,  but  as  an  angry 
God  who  would  punish  me  for  my  sins.  I  renounced  the 
world  not  because  I  saw  its  vanity  compared  with  the 
things  of  eternity,  but  because  I  felt  myself  compelled  to 
from  motives  of  safety;  and  I  am  bound  to  believe — 
though  it  was  what  I  could  not  consent  to  confess  to  ray- 
self  at  the  time — that  if  I  had  only  been  assured  that  I 
had  nothing  to  fear  from  God's  righteous  indignation  I 
should  never  have  renounced  them  and  connected  myself 
with  his  people.  Such  was  my  religious  state  when  I  left 
home  for  college.  And  now  I  was  placed  in  the  midst  of 
new  scenes  and  new  associates — my  attention  and  interest- 
became  absorbed  by  other  subjects.  God  and  the  things 
of  eternity  became  less  and  less  interesting  to  me — my 
efforts  to  create  a  good  state  of  feeling  became  less  and 
less  strenuous  with  frequent  intermissions.  From  indif- 
ference for  my  soul's  salvation,  I  glided  by  an  impercept- 
ible current  to  a  distaste  for  the  subject — to  a  downright 
dislike  for  it  and  finally  openly  and  joyfully  threw  off  the 
restraints  that  my  religion  had  imposed  upon  me  and 
buried  myself  in  the  world.  The  failure  to  obtain  that 
change  of  heart  which  the  Bible  spoke  of  induced  me  to 
question  its  reality  and  to  believe  at  first  that  it  had  its 
existence  only  in  the  heated  imagination  of  enthusiasts, 


36  I.IFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

and  then  that  it  was  a  cunningly  devised  fable  invented 
by  priest-craft  to  gull  the  simple  and  perpetuate  its  power. 
And  thus  the  Bible  came  to  be  viewed  as  an  imposture 
and  God's  people  as  deluders  and  deluded,  and  it  only 
remained  for  me  to  consummate  my  unbelief  by  doubting 
the  existence  of  a  God — Yes,  with  my  eyes  upturned  to 
the  heavens,  which  declare  his  glory,  and  open  upon  the 
beautiful  material  world  around  me,  which  showeth  his 
handy  work,  I  said  in  my  heart,  and  rejoiced  that  I  could 
say  it:  There  is  no  God.  But  my  merciful  Heavenly 
Father  has  forgiven  me  that  sin. 

When  I  think  of  the  awful  depths  'of  unbelief  to  which 
I  had  struggled,  I  am  filled  with  amazement  at  the  long 
suffering  and  mercy  of  God  in  that  he  did  not  suddenly  cut 
mo  off  or  give  me  over  to  hardness  of  heart  and  blindness 
of  mind  to  believe  a  lie.  And  now  my  whole  heart  be- 
came absorbed  in  the  things  of  this  world.  God  and 
religion  were  not  thought  of  exceiJt  to  be  blasphemed  and 
sneered  at — not  openly;  for  motives  of  jjrudence  induced 
me  to  conceal  my  state  that  I  might  not  shock  the  minds 
of  men  and  thus  throw  a  barrier  in  the  way  of  my  tem- 
jwral  prospects.  Ambition  now  took  entire  2:)ossession  of 
my  soul,  a  desire  to  I'ise  above  my  fellows  in  mental  stat- 
ure— not  so  much  that  I  might  be  able  to  do  more  good, 
as  that  I  might  be  a  mark  for  all  to  gaze  at.  This,  a  de- 
sire to  become  great  in  the  world,  had  been  a  'princi'ple 
with  me  from  my  earliest  recollection,  though  I  had  the 
good  sense  to  conceal  it  from  my  acquaintances  generally, 
and  often  when  I  was  a  poor  boy  destitute  of  even  the 
necessaries  of  life  would  I  delight  myself  picturing  in  my 
imagination  scenes  of  future  grandeur  and  triumph  in 
which  I  would  be  the  actor.  These  were  but  dreams  it  is 
true,  but  dreams  that  expelled  from  my  thoughts  every 
thing  that  did  not  administer  to  them.  And  at  the  time 
I  am  speaking  of  my  mind  had  become  so  spiritually  dark- 
ened that  could  I  have  accomplished  fame  by  it  I  verily 
believe  I  would  have  been  willing  to  renounce  without 
the  slightest  sinking  of  the  heart  thenceforth  and  forever 


CALLED  TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL.      37 

all  interest  in  the  atonement  of  Christ  whose  very  exist- 
ence I  doubted.  Such  was  my  state  when  a  little  moi'e 
than  a  year  ago  I  returned  home. 

But  I  have  extended  this  already  to  an  unbecoming 
length.  It  only  remains  for  me  to  relate  as  briefly  as 
possible  the  means  by  which  my  thoughts  were  again  di- 
verted to  the  things  of  eternity. — And  here  I  have  nc 
signal  interposition  to  relate,  no  occurrence  to  point  out  as 
having  been  instrumental  in  rousing  me  to  a  sense  of  my 
awful  condition.  But  it  pleased  God  that  I  should  be 
placed  in  a  situation  where  1  could  be  frequently  alone: 
where,  by  influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit  he  might  turn  my 
thoughts  inward  and  the  still  small  voice  of  conscience 
might  be  heard.  The  world,  too,  previous  to  this,  had 
begun  to  assume  rather  a  different  aspect  in  my  eye. 
Circumstances  had  happened  which  affected  me,  alone  it 
is  true,  and  which  had  made  a  deep  impression  on  me. 
Experience  had  shown  me  that  the  affections  of  friends 
even  who  wished  me  well,  could  easily  be  alienated,  and 
that  from  the  world  I  was  just  as  likely  to  receive  censure 
for  that  which  deserved  commendation  as  the  contrary. 
During  my  absence  from  Georgia,  all  the  time  not  de- 
voted to  the  discharge  of  my  duties  had  been  spent  in 
amusements  or  in  company  of  which  I  possessed  an  un- 
limited command,  and  thus  thoughts  on  religion  had  no 
opportunity  of  intruding  themselves  upon  me.  But  after 
my  return  I  engaged  in  business  very  much  at  the  time 
against  my  own  consent,  in  a  part  of  the  country  that  is 
very  thinly  settled,  where  there  was  not  a  single  young 
person  of  my  own  age  with  whom  I  could  associate;  added 
to  this  was  the  fact  that  I  was  not  in  a  situation  to  occupy 
my  vacation  time  with  books.  So  that  certain  hours 
every  day  I  was  left  alone  with  myself.  During  these 
periods  God  was  pleased  to  be  near  me  and  to  induce  such 
a  train  of  thought  as  to  show  me  the  vanity  of  earthly 
things,  and  the  weighty  importance  of  things  of  eternity. 
The  objections  I  had  cherished  against  the  existence  of  a 
God  and  the  authenticity  of  the  Scriptures,  now  that  I 


38  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

had  an  opportunity  of  thinking  calmly  and  without  inter- 
ruption, lost  their  weight.  The  more  particularly  so  as  I 
had  no  opportunity  of  noting  the  inconsistencies  of  pro- 
fessing Christians,  and  seldom  heard  the  gospel  preached. 
In  this  part  of  my  experience  there  is  nothing  standing 
out  distinct  to  which  I  can  refer  as  the  cause  of  any  result 
which  followed.  I  commenced  teaching  school  in  that 
place  confessedly  with  the  belief  that  the  Bible  was  all  a 
fable  and  even  if  true  that  it  was  never  more  to  receive 
attention  from  me.  And  by  steps  that  were  impercept- 
ible to  me  at  the  time  and  cannot  be  traced  now  I 
was  brought  to  relinquish  all  my  doubts  and  to  feel  that 
even  for  me  the  subject  had  an  interest.  But  notwith- 
standing, for  more  than  a  year  did  I  trifle  with  this  sub- 
ject. There  was  this  doubt  I  had  to  solve,  this  mystery  I 
had  to  look  into,  and  I  tried  to  satisfy  myself  with  saying 
that  Religion  was  a  subject  I  could  not  understand.  Then 
perhaps  yielding  to  the  influence  of  the  moment  I  would 
retire  to  a  private  place  and  try  to  pray,  and  because  I 
did  not  receive  a  miraculous  manifestation  of  God's  pi'es- 
ence  in  my  heart  I  would  give  up  in  despair  and  perhaps 
the  next  moment  with  a  zest  which  would  astonish  myself, 
would  join  with  the  thoughtless  in  throwing  ridicule  on 
the  Bible  and  Religion. 

But  not  to  multiply  words.  In  this  awful  state  did  I 
continue  until  about  three  weeks  ago  when  God  was 
pleased  to  bring  me  like  a  little  child  to  the  foot  of  the 
cross,  and  I  was  led  to  pray  him  to  save  me  in  his  own 
way.  I  know  I  am  weak  and  unable  to  persevere  if  I  de- 
pend upon  myself;  but  Christ  is  strong  and  he  has  told 
me  in  his  word,  his  grace  will  be  sufficient  for  me.  Let 
me  beg  an  interest  in  your  prayers,  as  I  have  no  doubt  I 
have  already  had.  Pray  for  me  that  1  may  not  again  de- 
ceive myself  but  that  I  may  build  on  the  rock  Christ 
Jesus,  Excuse  the  length  of  this  communication,  I  could 
not  well  have  written  shorter.  I  hope  you  will  not  view 
it  as  gratuitous.  I  have  written  it  because  I  was  not  sure 
that  it  was  not  my  duty,  and  I  did  not  know  but  that  the 


CALLED  TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL.      39 

church  would  require  some  such  statement  before  they 
would  consent  to  readmit  me  into  fellowship  with  them. 
With  sentiments  of  respect, 

I  remain  yours  respectfully, 

P.  H.  Mell." 

The  portions  of  the  above  letter  that  refer  to 
his  ambitious  aspirations  are  most  pathetic. 
He  had  a  great  fondness  for  the  profession  of 
law  and  was  struggling  between  his  preference 
for  the  law  and  the  impression  that  he  was 
called  to  the  ministry.  A  few  years  ago, 
while  commenting  on  this  period  of  his  life,  he 
informed  the  writer  that  he  felt  convinced  the 
peculiar  condition  of  his  mind  portrayed  in  the 
above  letter  could  be  attributed  to  nothing  more 
evident  than  his  effort  to  overcome  the  strong 
inclination  to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  Rev.  Josiah  Law  replied  as  follows  to  the 
letter  from  young  Mell: 

''SUNBURY,  Ga.,  March  27th,  1839. 
My  Dear  Brother: 

It  is  with  joy  that  I  address  you  by 
the  above  endearing  appellation  which  bespeaks  relation- 
ship more  sacred  and  binding  than  any  other. 

Your  interesting  and  heart  gladdening  letter  should 
have  been  answered  before  this  but  I  wished  to  present  it 
to  the  church  before  replying  to  it.  I  accordingly,  at  the 
first  meeting  after  its  reception  read  it  to  the  church  and 
I  assure  you  there  was  not  one  whose  heart  was  not  filled 
with  joy  and  thanksgiving  to  God  at  your  return  to  the 
fold  of  Christ.  It  was  unanimously  voted  that  you  be 
restored  to  full  fellowship  of  the  church.  You  are  now 
one  of  us— once  more  in  the  bosom  of  the  church— once 


40  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

more  known  as  a  professed  follower  of  the  meek  and 
lowly  Jesus.  May  your  motto  from  hence  forth  to  the  end 
of  your  days  be:  'For  me  to  live  is  Christ's.'  From  the 
sketch  you  have  given  of  your  religious  experience  I  must 
say  you  are  a  monument  of  God's  mercy  and  forbearance, 
one  among  the  many  trophies  of  His  rich  abounding  grace. 
How  should  the  remembrance  of  the  'horrible  pit  and 
miry  clay,'  from  which  your  feet  have  been  taken,  fill 
your  heart  with  gratitude  to  God  and  stimulate  you  to 
faithful  and  untiring  perseverance  in  the  divine  life.  .  .  . 
Your  brother  in  the  bonds  of  Christ, 

J.  S.  Law." 


The  restoration  to  full  membership  in  the 
church  at  Sunbury  produced  a  wholesome  effect 
on  the  mind  of  the  young  man,  and  the  constant- 
ly increasing  tendency  to  preach  seems  to  have 
taken  such  firm  hold  of  his  inclinations  that  he 
sacrificed  all  ambitious  desires  to  enter  the  prac- 
tice of  law  and  at  last  gave  his  full  consent  to 
submit  to  the  moulding  power  of  his  Master  and 
devote  himself  to  the  ministry.  The  following 
extracts  taken  from  letters  written  to  J.  S.  Law 
in  1839  show  this  decided  change  in  the  char- 
acter and  life  of  P.  H.  Mell.  The  struggle  had 
been  a  long  and  bitter  one  but  the  surrender 
came  at  last  and  it  was  a  complete  one  because 
he  proposed  to  enter  upon  the  work  with  no 
half-hearted  interest,  but,  as  was  shown  in  all 
his  after  life,  he  intended  to  give  the  entire 
energies  of  his  nature  to  the  service  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 


CALLED  TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL.      41 

"There  is  a  subject  which  has  long-  occupied  my 
thoughts  and  I  desii-e  to  obtain  your  advice.  I  have  been 
impressed  for  some  time  with  the  conviction  that  it  is  my 
duty  to  preach  tlie  gospel,  though  I  tremble  when  I  think 
of  it  lest  my  own  presumptuous  vanity  should  have  sug- 
gested it  to  me.  I  know  the  responsibilities  are  awfully 
great,  and  I  have  been  silent  until  this  time  because  I 
have  been  afraid  I  was  too  much  disposed  to  run  heed- 
lessly and  thoughtlessly  into  them.  But  my  firm  convic- 
tion is  that  I  must  preach  the  gospel  and  I  can  resist  it  no 
longer.  I  know  I  am  not  fit  for  the  office;  but  the  pr«ep- 
aration  of  the  heart  is  with  God  and  he  can  qualify  me 
for  it.  It  remains  for  you  and  the  church  to  say  what  I 
shall  do.  I  am  not  unmindful  of  the  fact  that  my  distance 
from  them  and  the  consequent  ignorance  of  the  church 
in  reference  to  my  religious  state,  as  indicated  by  my 
daily  walk,  may  be  an  obstruction  in  the  way  of  their 
giving  me  the  license.  In  that  case,  if  they  think  I  am 
influenced  by  the  Spirit  of  God  in  this  matter  it  would  be 
well  for  them  to  give  me  a  letter  of  dismission  to  the 
church  here;  and  anyhow  I  would  be  glad  to  get  one  of 
recommendation.  There  are  very  few  Baptist  preachers 
in  this  part  of  the  country,  and  there  are  a  great  many 
destitute  places  in  reach  of  me  where  I  could,  by  attending 
on  the  Sabbath,  be  instrumental  of  good,  if  I  be  indeed 
called  of  God.  In  writing  the  above  I  have  done  that 
which  I  have  long  been  impressed  it  was  my  duty  to  do, 
and  I  now  leave  the  matter  with  you  and  the  church, 
firmly  trusting  that  the  Lord  will  direct  you  in  the  case.'' 

Mr.  Mell  felt  the  importance  of  a  thorough 
education  to  every  man  who  expected  to  sustain 
a  prominent  position  of  usefulness  among  his 
fellow- creatures,  and  he  bent  every  energy  to 
acquire  a  mind  well  stored  with  knowledge.  He 
could  not  be  satisfied  with  an  ordinary  educa- 


42  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL, 

tion,  and,  when  he  became  convinced  that  he 
was  called  to  preach  the  gospel  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  he  felt  the  more  need  of  profound 
learning  in  things  relating  to  religious  and  sec- 
ular affairs.  He  was  very  much  embarrassed 
the  first  part  of  his  life  for  want  of  the  necessary- 
means  to  meet  the  absolute  demands  made  upon 
him.  But  God  was  guiding  him  towards  the 
ministry  and  He  was  providing  the  material  for 
the  upbuilding  of  a  great,  good  man  and  a 
preacher  of  marvelous  power. 


"1  fully  concur  with  you  in  the  advantages,  indeed  the 
necessity,  of  an  educated  ministry.  ...  If  it  were  pos- 
sible I  would  gladly  avail  myself  of  the  advantages  of  a 
theological  course,  but  providential  circumstances  oppose 
insuperable  obstacles.  The  destitute  situation  of  my  sis- 
ters imperiously  demands  that  I  should  be  engaged  in  some 
lucrative  business  so  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  contribute 
towards  the  supply  of  their  wants.  I  can  form  some  idea 
of  the  qualifications  necessary  in  a  faithful  pastor,  and  if 
I  am  called  into  the  work  of  the  ministry  I  shall  leave  no 
means  untried  which  will  have  a  tendency  to  make  me  an 
efficient  instrument  in  the  hands  of  God;  but  whatever  I 
do  I  shall  have  to  do  unaided.  As  far  as  I  can  now  see  I 
shall  have  to  teach  for  two  or  three  years  yet,  and  my 
application  had  this  extent.  I  saw  that  this  part  of  the 
country  was  very  deficient  in  laborers  of  the  Baptist 
Denomination,  though  its  membership  is  very  numerous, 
and  that  if  I  had  the  right  to  do  so,  I  could  probably  be 
instrumental  of  good  by  attending  some  of  the  destitute 
places  on  the  Sabbath  and  repeating  the  story  of  the 
cross.  I  have  become  firmly  established  in  the  belief  that 
I  must  preach  the  gospel,  and  I  am  compelled  to  say  with 


CALLED  TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL.     43 

the  Apostle.  'Woe  is  me  if  I  do  not.'  God  has  shown  me 
how  vain  are  all  things  here  below,  and  hencefoi'th  I 
glory  in  nothing  save  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
hy  whom  the  world  is  crucified  unto  me  and  I  unto  the 
-world.  And  I  thank  God  I  can  say  His  will  be  done. 
Should  He  call  me  to  leave  kindred  and  friends  and  all  I 
hold  dear  on  earth  and  carry  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation 
to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Polar  snows  or  Torrid  regions, 
to  the  people  of  the  Celestial  Empire  or  the  degraded 
negroes  of  Caffraria,  I  would  obey  with  alacrity  and 
thank  God  that  He  had  counted  me  worthy." 

In  response  to  this  letter  the  following  license 
was  issued  to  him  by  the  North  Newport  church, 
Liiberty  county,  Georgia: 

"SuNBURY,  October  23,  1839. 
XiiBERTY  County,  ) 
Georgia.  j 

This  is  to  certify  that  Mr.  Patrick  Mell,  having  applied 
to  the  North  Newport  church  of  the  above  county,  of 
-which  he  is  a  member  in  good  standing,  for  license  to 
preach  the  gospel,  the  church,  believing  that  he  pos- 
sesses the  moral  and  intellectual  qualifications  requisite 
for  so  doing,  do  cheerfully  grant  to  him  the  liberty  of 
preaching  the  gospel,  and  they  ask  for  him  the  Christian 
fellowship  of  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  among 
whom  he  may  come. 

Done  by  order  of  the  church. 

JOSIAH  S.  Law,  Pastor." 

P.  H.  Mell  began  preaching  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Oxford,  Georgia,  in  the  spring  of  1840, 
under  the  license  given  him  by  the  North  New- 
port church.     His  engagements  at  the  college 


44  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

were  met  during  the  week  days  and  on  the  Sab- 
baths he  visited  the  destitute  places  and  preach- 
ed to  the  people  the  message  of  salvation.  He 
was  not,  however,  an  ordained  minister  at  this 
time  and  did  not  have  regular  charge  of  a 
church. 


MARRIAGE. — ORDINATION..  45 


CHAPTER  V. 

MARRIAGE. — ELECTION    TO    PROFESSORSHIP    IN 
MERCER  UNIVERSITY. — ORDINATION. 

On  the  29th  of  June,  1840,  Mr.  Mell  was  mar- 
ried to  Lurene  Howard  Cooper,  daughter  of 
George  Cooper,  a  resident  of  Montgomery- 
county,  Georgia.  Miss  Cooper  attended  Mr. 
Mell's  school  at  Ryal's,  where  he  first  became 
acquainted  with  her.  This  acquaintance  soon 
ripened  into  strong  affection,  and  this  compan- 
ion of  his  young  manhood's  days  lived  for 
twenty  years  as  his  most  devoted  wife,  who 
deeply  sympathized  with  him  in  all  the  adversi- 
ties and  successes  that  lined  his  pathway,  and 
who  was  able  to  intelligently  aid  him  in  all  his 
plans  for  the  future,  because  she  was  blessed 
with  a  mind  filled  with  fertile  resources,  well 
stored  with  useful  knowledge.  This  union  was 
blessed  with  eight  children,  four  sons  and  four 
daughters,  five  of  whom  are  now  living. 

The  chair  of  Ancient  Languages  in  Mercer 
University,  at  Penfield,  Georgia,  becoming  va- 
cant, P.  H.  Mell  was  strongly  endorsed  by  his 
friend,  Ex-Gov.   George  M.  Troup,   before  the 


46  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Board  of  Trustees,  and  on  the  17th  of  February, 
1841,  he  was  elected  to  fill  the  position.  He 
entered  at  once  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties 
in  this  University.  As  soon  as  he  became  set- 
tled in  Penfield  he  removed  his  membership 
from  the  church  at  North  Newport  to  the  Bap- 
tist church  in  his  new  home;  this  occurred  on 
the  2d  of  April,  1842.  He  did  not  stop  preach- 
ing but  each  Sabbath  he  visited  some  destitute 
place  in  the  neighborhood  that  was  too  poor  to 
secure  the  services  of  a  regularly  ordained  min- 
ister. His  work  was  largely  gratuitous  and  the 
proclamation  of  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to 
lost  sinners  was  so  greatly  blessed  by  his  Master 
that  the  attention  of  the  Greensboro  church  was 
called  to  him,  and  in  October,  1842,  they  request- 
ed the  brethren  at  Penfield  to  ordain  P.  H.  Mell 
for  the  ministry  in  order  that  he  might  accept 
the  pastorate  of  the  Greensboro  church.  In 
response  to  this  request  the  brethren  at  Penfield 
met  in  conference  October  29th,  1842,  and  the 
following  minute  was  recorded: 

"Moved,  and  cai'ried  that  the  request  of  the  Greensboro 
church  to  put  Brother  Mell  forward  for  ordination  be 
agreed  to;  and  that  Saturday  before  the  third  Sunday  in 
November  be  the  day;  and  that  the  candidate  and  Pastor 
elect  the  Presbytery.  The  Brethren  Brooks,  Stokes, 
Harris  and  the  Pastor  were  named.  Directed  the  Clerk 
to  give  written  notice  to  the  Presbytery." 


MARRIAGE. — ORDINATION.  47 

"Penfield,  November  19th,  1842. 
At  the  call  of  the  church  for  a  Presbytery  to  ordain 
Brother  P.  H.  Mell,  our  Pastor,  Brother  B.  M.  Sanders, 
with  Brethren  Otis  Smith  and  Wm.  H.  Stokes,  attended. 
Brother  Stokes  preached  from  II.  Tim.  4:2 — 'Preach  the 
Word.'  Brother  Sanders  examined  the  church  and  the 
candidate;  Brother  Smith  made  the  ordaining  prayer, 
with  the  imposition  of  hands,  by  all  the  Presbytery. 
Brother  Sanders  gave  the  charge  and  Brother  Smith 
gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  the  benediction 
was  pronounced  by  Brother  Mell. 

B.  M.  Sanders,  Moderator." 

"Penfield,  November  19th,  1842. 
To  all  whom  it  may  concern,  greeting  : 

We,  the  undersigned  ministers  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesu& 
Christ,  of  the  Baptist  Denomination,  at  the  request  of  the 
church  at  Penfield,  and  with  their  concurrence  and  co- 
operation, having  duly  examined  Brother  P.  H.  Mell,  one 
of  their  members,  in  reference  to  his  call  and  qualifica- 
tion for  the  Gospel  ministry,  and  being  fully  satisfied  in 
relation  thereto,  have  with  one  accord,  by  prayer  and  the 
imposition  of  hands,  set  him  forth  to  the  full  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  the  Christian  ministry,  and  do  hei'eby 
recommend  him  to  the  confidence  and  fellowship  of  the 
ministry  and  the  churches. 
Given  under  our  hands: 

B.  M.  Sanders. 

W.  H.  Stokes. 

Otis  Smith." 

Rev.  P.  H.  Mell  accepted  the  call  to  the  pas- 
torate of  the  Greensboro  church  and  entered  at 
once  upon  the  work.  He  served  this  church 
faithfully  until  1852,  when  he  became  pastor  of 
the  Antioch  church,  as  is  stated  further  on  in 
this  biography. 


48  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

In  1844  Dr.  John  L.  Dagg  was  elected  Pres- 
ident of  Mercer  University  to  succeed  Rev.  Otis 
Smith  who  had  served  since  1840.  From  this 
date  a  friendship  was  established  between  Dr. 
Dagg  and  Prof.  Mell  which  was  not  severed  even 
during  the  long  years  of  their  lives.  Dr.  Dagg 
did  not  enjoy  vigorous  health  and  he  found  it 
quite  difficult  to  attend  to  the  discipline  of  the 
Institution  for  want  of  the  necessary  strength 
demanded  by  the  duties.  Professor  Mell  there- 
fore offered  to  relieve  him  of  these  duties  when- 
ever his  services  would  be  useful  to  the  Pres- 
ident. His  youth,  health  and  vigorous  body 
enabled  him  to  fill  the  position  of  disciplinarian 
with  marked  success.  Many  of  the  mischiev- 
ous boys  came  to  grief  because  of  the  vigilance 
of  the  young  Professor;  and  from  this  frequent 
contact  with  the  students  many  amusing  and 
sometimes  serious  adventures  were  experienced 
by  him.  He  soon  received  from  the  students 
the  appellation  of  "Old  Pat,"  and  it  was  said  by 
them  that  his  presence  pervaded  the  entire  town 
of  Penfield,  where  the  University  was  located. 
On  account  of  his  excellent  knowledge  of  boys 
and  keen  appreciation  of  their  propensities  he 
became  cognizant  of  many  of  their  pranks  before 
they  were  performed  and  this  fact  made  the  stu- 
dents fear  him  very  much.  At  the  same  time 
they  greatly  respected  and  admired  his  wonderful 
power.     Their  experience  taught  them  he  was 


MARRIAGE. — ORDINATION.  49 

just  and  merciful  in  treating  every  case  that 
came  under  his  control.  Some  of  the  strongest 
friends  and  bitterest  enemies  that  he  made  dur- 
ing his  life  were  college  boys  who  were  under 
him  at  this  time. 

The  following  are  some  of  the  incidents  rela- 
ted of  him  while  he  was  connected  with  the 
University : 

During  a  dark  night  he  was  called  out  by  the 
continued  noise  of  the  students  on  the  streets. 
The  parties  who  were  creating  the  disturbance 
had  threatened  to  injure  him  that  night  because 
he  had  so  often  exposed  their  mischief  and 
brought  the  condemnation  of  the  college  author- 
ities upon  them.  Some  of  them  had  prepared 
sticks  with  loaded  heads  to  use  on  him  when  he 
should  expose  himself  to  their  anger.  They 
were  drinking  also  and  were  in  an  unusually 
boisterous  condition.  Prof.  Mell  walked  the 
streets  some  time  before  he  was  able,  to  get  in 
the  group  of  young  men  and  detect  their  faces. 
But  at  last  he  succeeded,  and  after  finding  out 
who  they  were,  announced  his  name,  ordered 
them  to  return  to  their  rooms  and  in  the  morn- 
ing to  report  to  the  President's  office.  Turning 
on  his  heels  to  walk  off,  one  of  the  party  gave 
him  a  severe  blow  on  the  head  with  a  loaded 
stick;  fortunately  the  dark  night  made  the  aim 
uncertain  and  the  heavy  felt  hat  which  he  had 
hurriedly  thrown  on  his  head  as  he  was  leaving 


50  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

his  home,  acted  as  a  protection,  and  the  stick 
glanced  to  his  shoulder,  only  slightly  bruising 
his  scalp,  but  paralyzing  his  arm.  Although  the 
pain  was  intense  he  had  the  presence  of  mind  to 
turn  quickly  and  recognize  the  boy  who  commit- 
ted the  deed.  Returning  to  his  home  he  was 
confined  to  his  room  for  a  number  of  days.  The 
boy  who  made  this  violent  attack  upon  his  Pro- 
fessor, becoming  sober  next  morning  and  fully 
realizing  what  he  had  done,  left  college  without 
waiting  to  be  dismissed.  The  others  were  all 
brought  up  before  the  authorities,  charged  with 
drunkenness  and  disorderly  conduct,  and  were 
expelled  from  the  Institution. 

On  another  occasion  while  the  air  was  moist 
and  a  heavy  fog  hung  over  the  little  village 
of  Penfield,  Professor  Mell's  attention  was  at- 
tracted by  pistol  firing  and  great  disturbances 
on  the  main  street  of  the  town,  and  he  immedi- 
ately went  out  to  put  a  stop  to  the  noise. 
Threats  had  been  made  by  several  young  men 
for  a  month  past  that  they  would  take  his  life 
before  they  left  college.  But  no  attention  was 
paid  to  these  threats  by  Prof.  Mell,  because  he 
did  not  believe  they  would  be  carried  out.  Near 
the  Ciceronian  Society  Hall,  on  the  night  men- 
tioned, he  came  upon  the  young  men,  three  or 
four  in  the  party,  and  accused  them  of  creating 
the  disturbance,  when  one  of  the  boys  pointed  a 
pistol  at  the  Professor's  breast  and  snapped  it 


MARRIACxE. — ORDINATION.  51 

several  times,  but  the  rain  had  dampened  the 
charge  and  it  refused  to  fire.  The  boys  then 
took  to  their  heels,  but  not  before  they  were 
fully  identified.  They  went  to  their  rooms  in 
the  college  building  and  one  was  heard  to  brag 
that  he  had  snapped  his  pistol  at  "Old  Pat" 
three  times,  and  that  if  he  had  not  been  inter- 
rupted he  would  have  continued  to  snap  until  it 
had  fired  for  he  was  determined  to  kill  "Old 
Pat."  The  faculty  expelled  these  rioters  from 
college  and  Prof.  Mell  had  them  presented  to 
the  grand  jury  for  assault  with  intent  to  murder. 
One  of  them  fled  the  country  and  the  law  was 
unable  to  place  its  hands  on  him.  The  others 
were  indicted,  and  the  case  was  going  hard  with 
them,  when,  through  sympathy  for  their  i^ar- 
ents,  who  were  excellent  people,  Prof,  Mell 
withdrew  the  prosecution  and  the  young  men 
were  allowed  to  go  free  without  further  punish- 
ment. Judge  J.  H.  Lumpkin  pleaded  in  their 
behalf  and  his  appeals  induced  Prof.  Mell  to 
withdraw  the  case  from  court.  In  reply  to 
Judge  Lumpkin  he  wrote  as  follows: 

"I  appreciate  your  disinterestedness  in  the  endeavor 
you  make  to  settle  the  case  without  bringing  it  befoi-e  a 
jury,  and  I  am  willing  to  do  all  in  my  power  to  aid  you  in 
the  attempt  to  save  the  reputations  of  the  young  men, 
and  the  feelings  of  their  parents.  1  should  be  much 
pleased  to  stop  proceedings  could  a  way  be  pointed  out  to 
me  by  which  it  could  be  done  with  safety.  Though  I  am 
constrained  to  confess  the  difficulties  in  the  way  are  so 


52  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

great  that  I  see  not  how  I  can  do  so  without  causing 
greater  evil. 

I  commenced  the  prosecution  in  the  first  place  not  to 
gratify  any  personal  resentment,  but  from,  I  think,  a 
sense  of  duty  to  the  public  and  the  students  of  the  college. 
Such  outrages  had  become  common  to  an  alarming  extent 
in  our  colleges,  and  several  valuable  officers  had  lost 
their  lives.  It  seemed  to  me  at  the  time,  and  subsequent 
reflection  has  not  changed  my  conviction,  that  the  duty 
which  I  owed  not  only  to  all  literary  institutions,  but  to 
parents  who  had  sons  to  educate,  required  me  to  establish 
the  principle  that  students  cannot  with  impunity  draw 
deadly  weapons  upon  college  officers." 

The  two  instances  mentioned  show  how  prompt 
Prof.  Mell  was  to  detect  the  mischief  of  the 
students  at  Mercer  and  how  quickly  they  were 
brought  to  punishment  if  he  felt  they  deserved 
it  and  the  interest  of  the  Institution  demanded 
it.  Yet  at  the  same  time  he  was  not  unmerciful, 
but  often  dismissed  the  offender  to  his  room 
without  reporting  him  to  the  authorities,  if  he 
saw  by  the  repentance  of  the  boy  that  the  de- 
mands of  discipline  had  been  subserved.  A 
number  of  instances  might  be  given  to  prove 
this  point  but  it  is  unnecessary  to  recite  them 
here.  It  must  not  be  forgotten  in  talking  of 
this  period  that 'the  students  who  attended  col- 
lege in  those  days  were  often  more  inclined  to 
violate  rules  and  discipline  than  are  the  students 
at  the  present  time.  Although  Prof.  Mell  made 
some  boys  fear  him,  because  of  his  success  in 
finding  out  their  mischief,  still  to-day  there  are 


.       MARRIAGE. — ORDINATION.  53 

many  men  scattered  over  the  country  who  were 
students  at  Mercer  during  his  connection  with 
the  Institution,  and  remember  him  with  the 
warmest  admiration  and  the  most  lasting  friend- 
ship. He  was  the  boy's  friend  and  protected 
him  in  all  his  rights. 


54  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

PASTORAL  WORK. 

In  1848  he  accepted  the  pastorate  of  the  Bairds- 
town  church  located  in  Greene  county,  Georgia; 
and  in  1852  he  was  also  elected  to  take  charge  of 
the  church  at  Antioch,  in  Oglethorpe  county. 
Finding  that  these  two  churches  would  occupy 
all  of  his  time  he  was  compelled  to  resign  his 
pastorate  at  Greensboro,  where  he  had  served 
continuously  for  ten  years.  The  brethren  at 
Greensboro,  after  accepting  P.  H.  Mell's  resig- 
nation passed  the  following  resolution: 

"Greensboro,  Ga.,  June  12th,  1852. 

Whereas  our  beloved  pastor,  P.  H.  Mell,  has  given  us 
notice  that  at  the  end  of  the  present  year  his  pastoral 
care  of  this  church  would  cease. 

Resolved  1 — That  as  a  church  we  deeply  regret  Brother 
Mell  should  have  considered  it  his  duty  to  dissolve  the 
connection  so  harmoniously  existing  for  the  past  ten 
years  as  pastor  and  people.  We  unanimously  express  to 
our  brother  undiminished  confidence  in  his  ability,  piety 
and  discretion  as  a  faithful  minister  of  the  gospel.  In 
these  relations  he  has  discharged  his  various  duties  to 
the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  church.  His  pious  and  ex- 
emplary walk  has  endeared  him  to  us;  and  we  assure  him 
he  has  our  full  confidence  and  Christian  affection. 

Resolved  2 — That  we  cheerfully  recommend  our  brother 


PASTORAL  WORK.  55 

as  an  able  evangelical  minister  of  the  gospel,  where  his 
lot  may  be  cast. 

And  be  it  further  resolved  that  these  resolutions  be  re- 
corded in  the  church  book  and  a  copy  furnished  Brother 
Mell. 

Thomas  Stocks,  Church  Clerk." 

Mr.  C.  J.  Landrum,  a  member  of  the  Antioch 
church,  in  a  letter  in  the  hands  of  the  writer, 
speaking  of  Rev.  P.  H.  Mell  and  his  call  to  the 
pastorate  at  this  church,  gives  the  following 
incidents,  that  are  interesting  in  this  connection: 

"My  first  acquaintance  with  Dr.  Mel]  was  when  he 
accepted  the  pastoi-ate  of  Antioch  Church,  in  January, 
1852,  and  which  was  continued  until  1878 — twenty-six 
years.  The  church,  for  months  before  he  was  called,  had 
been  disturbed  by  a  very  serious  difficulty,  which,  from 
poor  management,  had  grown  from  bad  to  worse.  In  a 
very  short  time  it  was  settled  and  peace  was  restored.  I 
was  impressed  at  once  that  he  was  a  peace  maker  in  the 
fullest  and  best  meaning  of  that  tei-m.  He  did  not  seek 
to  harmonize  discords  by  leaving  some  points  of  the  case 
unnoticed;  others  merely  smoothed  over  or  covered  to 
ferment  and  burst  forth  in  all  their  fury;  his  plan  was 
the  best;  every  point  in  dispute  met  on  its  own  merits 
and  upon  principle,  by  which  an  adjustment  could  be 
made,  and  peace  and  harmony  secured  upon  a  solid  basis. 
This  he  did  in  the  case  to  which  I  have  referred,  and  in 
a  few  months  thereafter  we  had  one  of  the  best  meetings 
I  have  ever  witnessed.  It  certainly  was  a  revival  among 
God's  people.  It  continued  for  two  weeks  or  longer. 
Almost  every  day  there  were  persons  to  be  baptized.  On 
such  occasions  Dr.  Mell  would  read  some  aj^propriate 
Scripture  touching  upon  the  ordinance  and  lecture  from 
it.  This  was  very  entertaining  and  instructive  to  the 
large  concourse  of  people.    It  stirred  up  the  Pedobaptists, 


56  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

however,  and  as  a  result  lie  was  called  on  to  meet  Rev. 
Wm.  Parks  at  Centre  Church  (Methodist)  in  a  discussion 
on  Scriptural  baptism." 

When  this  discussion  was  completed  the  two 
churches  at  Antioch  and  Bairdstown  requested 
Mr.  Mell  to  publish  the  sermons  in  book  form 
for  permanent  preservation.  He  consented,  and 
"Mell  on  Baptism"  was  the  result.  This  book 
had  a  wide  circulation,  and  it  was  claimed  by 
some  to  have  been  instrumental  in  changing  sev- 
eral Pedobaptists  to  the  faith  and  belief  of  the 
Baptists.  Mr.  Landrum  says  still  further  in 
reference  to  this  period: 

"He  was,  when  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Antioch 
church,  a  stranger  to  nearly  all  his  charge  and  the  people 
generally.  His  genial  manners,  however,  made  the 
esteem  and  confidence  of  every  one  with  whom  he  met  an 
easy  conquest,  and  very  soon  he  was  an  ideal  Christian 
gentleman  in  this  community.  His  ever  bright  and  cheer- 
ful manner  was  almost  an  antidote  for  the  darkest  senti- 
ments of  gloom  and  despondency.  His  tender  words  of 
sympathy  have  thrilled  many  sorrowing  and  bereaved 
hearts,  and  really  comforted  them  in  the  midst  of  their 
sorrows.  As  to  his  ministerial  ability  and  usefulness,  the 
success  with  which  his  efforts  were  crowned  are  sufficient 
answers  even  to  the  most  fastidious  criticisms  to  which 
his  ministry  might  be  subjected.  As  a  pastor,  in  my  judg- 
ment, I  have  yet  to  meet  his  equal.  My  kind  regard  and 
respect  for  him  in  the  past  were  occasions  for  the  remark 
that  I  worshipiDed  him,  and  that  I  thought  I  would  go  to 
him  when  I  died.  In  our  memorial  services  I  referred  to 
this  statement,  and  remarked  that  my  attachment  for 
him  remained  unabated  and  I  was  willing  for  my  friends 
to  consider  that  vay  desire  was  to  go  to  him  when  I  died, 


PASTORAL,  WORK,  57 

because  I  imaginud  he  was  very  near  to  the  Saviour, 
nearer  in  position,  perhaps,  than  I  hoped  would  be  ac- 
corded me." 

Amoug  Dr.  Mell's  admirers  and  friends  who 
were  members  of  Antioch.  church  none  loved 
him  more  than  Mrs.  D.  B.  Fitzgerald,  nee  Miss 
Mary  E.  Crowley.  This  attachment  was  sin- 
cerely returned  by  Dr.  Mell,  and  for  a  number 
of  years  Miss  Crowley  was  an  occupant  of  his 
home,  while  pursuing  a  course  of  study  under 
him,  and  he  called  her  his  adopted  daughter. 
Being  thus  thrown  in  daily  communion  with 
him  she  had  a  most  excellent  opportunity  of 
studying  his  character.  This  lady  has  kindly 
furnished  the  following  reminiscences  of  Dr. 
Mell's  life  while  pastor  of  Antioch  church. 

"As  far  back  in  the  dim  recollections  of  an 
early  childhood  as  I  can  go,  I  recall  old  Antioch 
church  in  Oglethorpe  county,  Georgia.  Memory 
paints  the  scene  in  warm,  soft  colors,  and  tender 
associations  weave  a  magic  spell,  as  I  recall  the 
old-fashioned  house  with  its  elevated  pulpit,  and 
the  long  rows  of  high  benches  where  a  restless 
little  girl  sat  swinging  her  feet  and  listening  in 
a  vague  way  to  the  words  that  fell  from  the  lips 
of  the  preacher.  The  old  church  was  modern- 
ized long  years  ago;  many  comforts  and  graces 
have  been  added  to  its  interior,  and  the  white 
walls  glisten  outside  as  it  stands  embowered  in 
the  grove  of  giant  oaks  that  have  overshadowed 


58  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

it  for  more  than  three  score  years.  There  I 
first  attended  divine  services  under  the  preach- 
ing of  Rev.  P.  H.  Mell.  Permitted  under  a  kind 
Providence  to  grow  up  under  his  pastoral  hand, 
receiving  first  a  child's  share  of  his  ministra- 
tions and  comprehending  little  of  what  was  said, 
then  as  I  grew  ujd  learning  more  and  more  of  his 
marvelous  power,  I  was  led  to  the  Saviour  by  his 
faithful  guidance.  Baptized  by  him,  and  after- 
wards sitting  at  his  feet  as  a  pupil;  occupying  a 
chair  by  his  fireside;  sharing  in  the  love  he  be- 
stowed on  his  children;  receiving  often  from  his 
fatherly  lips  the  tender  epithet,  'my  daughter,' 
it  is  with  both  pleasure  and  pain  I  bring  a  tribute 
of  affection  to  place  in  this  memorial  volume. 

"Those  people  who  decry  long  pastorates 
would  find  stout  opjoosition  in  the  communities 
where  he  preached.  So  strongly  were  the  people 
attached  to  him  that  it  was  not  unusual  to  hear 
the  name  of  'Mell's  Kingdom'  applied  to  this 
territory.  The  bond  between  pastor  and  people 
was  so  strong  that  though  a  temporary  supply 
had  to  be  put  in  during  a  long  illness,  late  in 
life,  yet  the  church  would  never  relinquish  her 
claims  on  him  until  the  summons  to  come  up 
higher  was  spoken  by  the  Master. 

'  'When  first  called  to  take  charge  of  the  church 
Dr.  Mell  found  it  in  a  sad  state  of  confusion.  He 
said  a  number  of  members  were  drifting  off  into 
Arminianism.  He  loved  the  truth  too  well  to  blow 


PASTORAL  WORK.  59 

hot  and  cold  with  the  same  breath.  If  it  was  a 
Baptist  church  it  must  have  doctrines  i3eculiar  to 
that  denomination  preached  to  it.  And  with  that 
boldness,  clearness  and  vigor  of  speech  that 
marked  him,  he  preached  to  them  the  doctrines 
of  predestination,  election,  free-grace,  etc.  He 
said  it  was  always  Ms  business  to  preach  the  truth 
as  he  found  it  in  God's  Word,  and  leave  the  mat- 
ter there,  feeling  that  God  would  take  care  of  the 
results.  But  while  he  never  swerved  an  inch 
from  the  defence  of  truth  as  he  believed  it,  he 
was  most  courteous  to  those  who  differed  with 
him.  Among  those  who  sat  under  his  ministry 
for  ten,  twenty  and  twenty-five  years  were  peo- 
ple of  other  denominations  who  were  as  warm 
friends  as  any  he  had.  Some  Methodist  brethren 
attended  every  conference  meeting  as  regularly 
as  did  those  of  his  own  flock,  and  it  was  a  source 
of  great  pleasure  to  him.  They  might  shake 
their  heads  at  what  they  called  his  'hard  doc- 
trine,' but  they  would  shake  his  hand  as  cor- 
dially at  the  close  of  the  sermon  and  they 
claimed  a  share  of  his  visits  as  much  as  did  the 
members  of  his  own  flock. 

"He  was  in  the  midst  of  the  trouble  at  Pen- 
field  when  he  took  charge  of  the  churches  at 
Antioch  and  Bairdstown,  and  espousing  his 
cause  with  that  enthusiasm  that  always  charac- 
terized his  followers,  they  pledged  themselves 
to  his  support,  and  stood  squarely  beside  him  in 


60  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

all  that  painful  period.  This  loyal  affection  was 
always  a  source  of  infinite  gratification  to  liim, 
and  he  often  alluded  to  the  fact.  'I  knoio  my  peo- 
ple love  me,'  he  was  wont  to  say,  'they  have 
shown  it  unmistakably. ' 

"Soon  after  his  connection  with  Antioch 
church  a  circumstance  arose  to  which  he  often 
recui-red  in  after  years,  and  it  did  much  to 
strengthen  his  reliance  on  the  guiding  hand  of 
an  over-ruling  Providence.  A  young  lady  of 
most  beautiful  Christian  character,  one  greatly 
beloved  by  all  who  knew  her,  met  a  most  tragic 
fate,  being  burned  to  death.  The  death  caused 
a  great  gloom  to  fall  over  the  community.  It 
was  the  custom  in  those  days  to  have  a  funeral 
sermon  preached  months  after  the  subject  of  the 
discourse  had  been  baried.  Her  family,  com- 
plying with  the  common  practice,  had  arranged 
to  have  a  discourse  preached  commemorative  of 
her,  and  so  requested  Mr.  Mell,  mentioning  the 
time  they  had  selected.  It  always  pained  Mr. 
Mell  to  disappoint  any  one,  and  on  such  an 
occasion,  when  his  sympathies  were  so  aroused, 
and  when  he  knew  that  none  of  the  young  lady's 
family,  except  one,  w^ere  professors  of  religion, 
it  grieved  him  to  refuse  such  a  request,  but  to 
acquiesce  was  to  overthrow  all  his  plans.  It 
was  at  the  beginning  of  one  of  his  annual  meet- 
ings and  there  was  a  deep  anxiety  on  his  part 
to  have  nothing  disturb  the  minds  of  his  people. 


PASTORAL  WORK. 


61 


He  had  even  prepared  a  sermon  for  that  very 
day,  and  to  preach  a  funeral  instead  seemed  to 
be  unwise,  and  in  as  gentle  terms  as  possible 
he    attempted    to    dissuade    the    lady's    father 
from  such  a  step;    but  the  old  gentleman  in- 
sisted, and    gave    such    good    reasons    for    so 
doing,  that  Mr.  Mell  at  last,  though  with  a  sad 
heart,  consented  to  lay  aside  the  sermon  that  he 
thought  really  suited  the  needs  of  the  people, 
and  instead,  to  preach  the  memorial  discourse. 
The  more  he  inquired  into  the  character  of  the 
young  lady,  and  of  the  awful  circumstances  of 
her  death,  and  of  her  hope  in  the  Saviour,  the 
more  he  began  to  realize  how  it  might  be  that 
God  could  make  this  an  occasion  to  forward  His 
work  in  the  hearts  of  the  people.     The  outcome 
of  it  was  wonderful,  for  during  the  two  weeks' 
meeting  that  followed  more  than  sixty  people 
dated  conviction  from  that  sermon.     Mr.  Mell 
often  referred  to  this  as  one  of  the  best  meetings 
he  was  ever  in,  for  he  baptized  fifty  into  the 
church,   five  of  whom  were  of   the  immediate 
family  of  the  deceased  lady,  and  some  connected 
themselves  with  other  churches. 

"Very  much  of  his  power  as  a  preacher  lay  in 
the  way  he  had  of  getting  close  to  his  people. 
His  custom  was  to  visit  all  of  them,  and  so  anx- 
ious were  they  not  to  miss  the  expected  pleasure 
that  he  made  engagements  ahead  often  as  far  as 
three  months.     The  humblest  householder  was 


62  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

glad  to  entertain  'Brother  Mell,'  and  the  same 
ease  of  manner  characterized  him  whether  he  sat 
at  the  bountiful  board  of  the  rich,  or  broke  the 
plain  bread  and  partook  of  the  cup  of  milk  from 
the  pine  table  of  the  poorest.  There  was  never 
any  stooping  to  be  on  an  equality  with  any  man, 
or  woman,  or  little  child;  he  regarded  all  as 
good  and  worthy  until  they  had  proven  them- 
selves to  be  otherwise.  His  own  purity  of 
motive  won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  others; 
and  he  never  judged  a  man  by  the  coat  he  wore, 
or  measured  his  worth  by  any  uncouthness  of 
manner  or  speech.  The  roughness  might  be 
only  a  lack  of  education  and  training — the  coarse 
shell  enclosing  a  good  and  wholesome  fruit.  And 
so  he  won  first  the  admiration  and  then  the  love 
of  all  who  came  near  him.  He  was  the  confi- 
dant of  his  people,  they  told  him  all  their  j)er- 
sonal  experiences,  and  he  listened  with  tender 
sympathy.  If  a  poor  man  was  harassed  with 
debt,  broken  hearted  over  a  wilful  child,  or 
bowed  down  with  bereavement,  he  never  felt  his 
load  to  be  quite  so  heavy  after  he  had  talked  it 
over  with  'Brother  Mell.'  Many  a  poor  wife 
grieving  over  a  wicked  husband  or  son,  who 
could  not  bear  to  mention  her  sorrow  and  shame 
to  any  one  else,  told  him  all  her  heart-break. 
He  was  no  less  a  welcome  addition  to  the  merry 
groups  of  young  folks,  his  keen  appreciation  of 
humor,  his  love  of  a  good  joke,  his  inimitable 


PASTORAL  WORK. 


63 


way  of  relating  an  anecdote,  all  made  him  an 
acquisition  to  any  crowd,  or  a  pleasant  compan- 
ion at  any  fireside.  To  them  all  he  was  a  warm 
friend,  the  kind,  sympathetic,  wise  counselor  and 
faithful  pastor. 

"He  was  so  evenly  balanced  in  his  judgments 
that  it  was  almost  unheard  of  for  any  one  to 
object    to    his    rulings    in    conference.       If   a 
member  of  the   church  was   charged  with  un- 
christian conduct  the  greatest  care  was  exer- 
cised to  prevent  any  false  accusations  and  the 
case  conducted  with  the  greatest  regard  for  the 
feelings  of  the  offender.    Dr.  Mell  always  visited 
the  one  arraigned  and  listened  to  his  side  of  the 
story  and  showed  him  his  error  in  such  a  gentle, 
loving  way  that  he  almost  always  reclaimed  the 
wanderer.     In  one  instance  a  brother  was  con- 
trary and  cold;    his  brethren  could  not  get  on 
peaceably  with  him;  there  was  constant  cause 
of  complaint;    at  last  Dr.  Mell  said,    'Let  him 
alone.'     He  was  quietly  ignored  and  left  to  him- 
self; he  began  to  reflect,  since  it  takes  two  to 
quarrel,  and  the  end  of  it  was  that  at  a  subse- 
quent meeting  he  came  with  contrition  and  con- 
fession of  fault  and  begged  the  brethren  to  for- 
give him,  and  lived  and  died  a  useful  member  of 
the  church. 

"Dr.  Mell's  character  was  too  positive  not 
to  find  opponents  in  the  world,  and  there  were 
among  outsiders  some  who  said  he  was  simply 


64  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

a  strong  doctrinal  preacher,  not  an  eloquent 
man,  but  one  who  fed  his  people  on  'hard  corn.' 
If,  as  Webster  says,  'eloquence  is  the  power  of 
expressing  strong  emotions,  in  an  effective,  im- 
passioned and  elevated  manner, '  then  truly  was 
Dr.  Mell  an  eloquent  man.  No  one  who  sat  under 
his  ministry  at  those  two  churches  could  make 
such  an  adverse  criticism  of  him.  He  always 
prepared  a  skeleton  of  each  discourse,  which  he 
fixed  well  in  his  mind  before  going  into  the  pul- 
pit, and  after  reading  the  text,  he  closed  the 
Bible,  and  preached  without  any  notes  before 
him.  The  little  thirty-minute  sermons  that  some 
preachers  offer  to  an  already  over-fed  congre- 
gation j)ale  beside  the  matchless  discourses  he 
used  to  give  the  crowds  at  Antioch  and  Bairds- 
town.  His  slender,  lithe  figure  rose  in  its 
strength ;  his  piercing  eyes  glowed  or  melted  in 
tender  pathos  as  his  mind  grasped  the  glorious 
truths  of  the  Gospel;  he  held  his  hearers  spell- 
bound many  times  a  full  hour,  and,  if  the  theme 
was  unusually  grand,  and  far-reaching  in  its 
fuller  development,  he  stood  for  an  hour  and  a 
half,  and  yet  his  people  never  thought  he 
preached  long.  He  started  out  by  stating  his 
propositions  clearly  and  distinctly,  and  then 
proceeded  to  bring  forward  and  support  them 
with  such  an  array  of  argument  and  of  Scriptural 
authority,  and  clothed  his  ideas  in  language  so 
plain,  so  simple,  so  strong,  so  beautiful,  that  the 


PASTORAL,  WORK.  65 

truth  was  fixed  in  the  minds  of  his  listeners. 
He  used  to  say,  laughingly,  and  yet  with  a  de- 
gree of  pride,  that  he  could  never  "warm  over  an 
old  broth'  with  his  people,  for  many  of  them 
were  accustomed  to  mark  and  date  the  texts  he 
preached  from,  so  forcibly  did  the  sermons  im- 
press their  minds. 

"As  the  natural  result  of  his  long  pastorate  he 
had  a  most  intimate  acquaintance  with  his  flock, 
and  knew  just  their  needs;  if  there  was  one 
bowed  down  in  sorrow,  fitting  into  the  sermon 
would  be  words  of  truest  comfort;  if  a  sinner 
w^as  smarting  under  the  lash  of  a  guilty  con- 
science, or  mournfully  seeking  relief  from  sin, 
some  words  suited  to  his  individual  needs  were 
sure  to  come  from  the  lips  of  the  good  pastor, 
and  so  of  all.  Did  evil  creep  in,  he  knew  just 
where  and  when  to  strike  most  effectively  to 
arrest  it.  Once  he  saw  that  intemperance  was 
gaining  the  mastery  over  some  of  the  weaker 
ones  of  his  charge;  some  had  been  intoxicated, 
and  others  more  covert  in  sin  drank  enough  to 
keep  the  blood  at  fever  heat,  and  yet  were  never 
so  fully  under  the  influence  of  whisky  as  to  be 
called  drunk;  and  so,  while  not  amenable  to  ar- 
raignment before  the  church,  were  losing  their 
own  usefulness,  and  crippling  the  cause  of 
Christ.  In  a  sermon  he  rebuked  the  sin  in  sting- 
ing terms.  Leaning  over  his  pulpit,  and  casting 
an  eagle  glance  over  the  congregation,  which 

5 


66  T.IFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

caused  the  guilty  ones  to  quail,  he  said:  'You 
thought  nobody  saw  you  when  you  went  into 
your  house,  and  in  that  private  closet,  with  door 
closed,  you  drank  till  your  brain  was  fired  with 
the  fearful  draught;  hiding  your  demijohn  and 
your  jug,  thinking  to  conceal  your  sin  and 
shame.  Be  sure  your  sin  ivill  find  you  out.'  So 
closely  did  he  draw  the  portrait,  so  accurately 
did  he  read  men's  faces,  that  he  pursued  this 
line  of  thought  till  one  of  the  tipplers  became  so 
angry  that  he  would  not  speak  to  his  pastor. 
Dr.  Mell  jiever  permitted  such  conduct  to  go  un^ 
noticed,  so  inquired  of  the  brother  what  did  he 
mean  by  such  coldness  and  aversion.  'Who  has 
been  talking  to  you  about  me?'  inquired  the  man 
in  angry  impatience,  'I  know  though,  I  did  ask 
one  man  to  drink  with  me,  he  told  you,  I  Icnoio 
he  did.' 

"Dr.  Mell  fixed  his  ]3enetrating  eyes  on  the 
man  in  grieved  surprise.  'Have  you  been  drink- 
ing? My  dear  brother,  you  have  betrayed  your- 
self. No  one  ever  told  me  you  kept  your  jug." 
Self -condemned,  there  was  nothing  for  the  weak 
brother  to  do  but  to  acknowledge  his  sin.  No 
doubt  he  felt  like  'kicking'  himself,  as  he  caught 
the  gleam  of  an  amused  twinkle  in  the  good 
Doctor's  eye,  at  the  ludicrous  position  in.  which 
he  had  placed  himself.  The  keenness  of  percep- 
tion, the  wonderful  power  to  read  people,  made 
Dr.  Mell  a  master  among  men.     And  yet  he  was 


PASTORAL  WORK.  67 

SO  gentle,  so  courteous,  st)  considerate  of  the 
feelings  of  others,  even  when  administering 
severe  rebuke  of  sin,  that  he  drew  the  trans- 
gressor to  him  instead  of  driving  him  away. 

"He  would  never  serve  city  churches,  though  ■ 
many  very  fine  positions  were  offered  him.     He 
always  said  he  wanted  to  preach  to  a  hungry  con- 
gregation.    He  often  remarked:  'People  in  cities 
hear  so  much,  so  many  sermons,  lectures,  exhor- 
tations, their  ears  are  heavy  w^ith  hearing.    They 
listen  more  critically,  are  more  easily  fatigued, 
but  not  so  with  my  country  people.    When  I  go  to 
them  once  or,  at  most,  twice  in  the  month  and 
stand  up  before   an   intelligent   audience,   who 
have  been  busy  with  other  than  mental  work,  I 
know  from  the  attentive  attitude,  the  earnest 
expression,    the  profound  silence,    that  I  have 
hearers  indeed.     Their  minds  arc  like  well-pre- 
pared soil.'  And  to  these  it  was  his  joy  to  preach. 
Never  had  a  preacher  more  respectful  attention, 
never  prevailed  better  order  than  in  his  churches, 
when    he    spoke.     He    believed    that    country 
churches    cannot    prosper   without    protracted 
meetings.     He  made  this  statement  in  a  letter- 
written  just  before  his  retirement  from  the  pas- 
torate, and  it  was  the  result  of  a  long  experience. 
No  sketch  of  his  life  work  can  be  complete  with- 
out some  more  than  passing  mention  of  his  man- 
ner of  conducting  these  annual  meetings.     As  he 
was  a  member  of  the  faculty  of  Mercer  University, 


68  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

and  afterwards  of  the  University  of  Georgia,  tlie 
only  time  for  such  meetings  was  during  the  sum- 
mer vacation.  The  meeting  always  began  on  Fri- 
day and  continued  three  days,  and  was  protracted 
one  week,  ten  days,  or  two  weeks,  as  the  Lord 
seemed  to  direct.  There  were  two  services  each 
day,  and  a  basket  dinner.  He  did  not  believe  in 
night  meetings  for  country  churches,  but  by 
spending  the  day  it  was  possible  for  several 
churches  to  be  largely  represented  at  these 
meetings.  Old  and  young  were  there.  It  was 
an  interesting  occasion.  Alas!  that  it  is  so  rarely 
seen  now.  The  present  generation  laughs  at 
such  gatherings  and  calls  them  picnic  frolics  and 
courting  schools,  but  it  has  given  us  no  more  sat- 
isfactory substitute.  Dr.  Mell  said  he  would  not 
^ive  the  one  hour  of  intermission,  after  the  dinner 
was  over,  for  any  sermon,  for  when  the  people 
were  all  together,  he  could  go  amongst  them  and 
find  out  their  needs.  Many  a  poor  despairing  soul 
has  been  pointed  to  the  Saviour  by  the  beloved 
pastor  or  by  those  of  his  people  who  labored  with 
him,  in  this  interval  at  noon.  What  crowds  at- 
tended! Early  in  the  mornings  of  the  long  sum- 
mer days  they  began  to  assemble,  and  it  was  no 
unusual  sight  to  see  handsome  carriages,  and 
many  lighter  vehicles,  and  many  on  horse-back 
approaching  the  church  from  every  direction. 
The  colored  servants  Avere  there  to  wait  upon 
the  crowds  at  dinner,  or  to  take  charge  of  the 


PASTORAL  WORK.  69 

horses;  and  seats  were  always  provided  for  these 
people,  and  numbers  of  them  were  baptized  into 
the  fellowship  of  the  church.  Cultured  and  re- 
fined gentlewomen  and  gentlemen  were  there, 
for  'Mell's  Kingdom'  contained  a  rural  popula- 
tion second  to  none  in  the  State.  At  ten  o'clock 
there  was  a  prayer  meeting,  and  at  eleven 
o'clock  a  sermon;  after  this  an  invitation  was 
extended  to  those  desiring  prayer,  and  some 
sweet  old  hymn  was  sung.  One  that  he  loved, 
was: 

'Alas,  and  did  my  Savioui'  bleed?' 
"Often  his  eyes  overflowed  at  the  closing  lines: 

'Here,  Lord,  I  give  myself  to  thee, 
"Tis  all  that  I  can  do.' 

"Or  perhaps  that  other  old  favorite: 

'Come  humble  sinnei*  in  whose  breast 

A  thousand  thoughts  revolve. 
Come  with  your  guilt  and  sins  oppressed 
And  make  this  last  resolve.' 

"With  an  earnestness  and  pathos  that  few 
could  resist  he  would  plead  with  the  ungodly 
that  they  might  make  the  words  of  the  poet 
their  own: 

I'll  go  to  Jesus  though  my  sins 

Have  like  a  mountain  rose, 
I  know  his  courts  I'll  enter  in, 

Whatever  may  oppose.' 


70  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

"When  the  hour  for  intermission  came  he 
talked  not  only  with  each  one  who  had  asked  for 
prayer,  but  also  with  many  others  whose  anx- 
ious countenances  he  had  scanned  while  preach- 
ing. He  knew  his  people  so  well  that  he  could 
call  on  just  the  right  ones  to  help  in  this  outside 
work.  Brethren  who  were  too  diffident  to  lead 
in  prayer,  or  who  had  not  the  gift  of  speech  for 
a  public  exhortation,  but  who  loved  the  Lord 
Jesus,  could  in  this  way  lead  sinners  to  the 
cross.  'The  old,  old  story,  the  sweet  old  story 
of  Jesus  and  his  love'  was  spoken  in  tender  ac- 
cents by  those  whose  voices  were  heard  only  by 
the  ones  addressed.  The  fruits  of  such  labor 
are  yet  to  be  seen  even  after  pastor  and  people 
are  gathered  before  the  Great  White  Throne. 
When  the  congregations  reassembled,  while 
some  were  careless,  of  course,  and  had  spent  the 
time  in  frivolity,  by  far  the  larger  number  were 
deeply  serious,  prayerful  and  in  earnest,  anx- 
iously waiting  for  the  message  from  the  man  of 
God,  while  the  pastor's  heart  burned  within  him 
with  zeal  toward  God,  and  love  for  the  people  he 
had  taught  so  long.  A  clear  pool  of  sparkling 
water  was  situated  near  by,  and  thither  the 
crowd  thronged,  and  ranged  themselves  around, 
the  swelling  hillsides  forming  nature's  amphi- 
theatre, the  green  trees  spreading  out  their  leafy 
banners,  and  over  all  God's  clear  blue  sky;  there 
he  baptized  them;    ten,   twenty,   and  twice   he 


PASTORAL  WORK.  71 

baptized  fifty  happy  converts  as  the  fruits  of  one 
annual  meeting  at  Antioch.  The  same  may  be 
said  in  regard  to  the  work  at  Bairdstown.  Dr. 
Mell  loved  these  meetings!  Some  of  the  finest 
sermons  he  ever  preached  were  delivered  on 
such  occasions.  He  never  seemed  to  grow  weary 
through  days  of  such  labor.  He  was  never  so 
happy  as  when  preaching  Jesus. 

'  'He  felt  a  deep  and  abiding  interest  in  all 
young  people,  and  his  genial  humor,  his  kind 
consideration,  his  ready  assistance  gave  easy 
access  into  their  hearts,  and  they  were  never 
afraid  of  the  preacher.  When  he  had  retired 
from  the  pastorate,  he  still  visited  his  old 
charges,  and  on  one  occasion  was  present  when 
a  timid  young  girl  presented  herself  as  a  candi- 
date for  baptism.  The  pastor  asked  her  ques- 
tions and  somehow  she  became  embarrassed  and 
confused;  finally  he  told  her  that  as  her  state- 
ments were  so  unsatisfactory,  he  advised  her  to 
wait.  Instantly  Dr.  Mell  stepped  to  her  side, 
and  in  his  kind,  fatherly  way  reassured  her, 
drew  out  from  her  in  faltering  but  unmistakable 
words  the  story  of  her  conviction,  and  of  her 
»hope  in  a  pardoning  Saviour.  He  got  her  to 
talk  fully,  and  then  he  made  the  statement  to 
the  church  for  her.  She  was  received,  and  is 
now  a  useful  and  happy  Christian,  and  loves  and 
reveres  Dr.  Mell  as  the  'best  man'  she  ever  knew. 


72  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

"On  one  occasion,  when  Mr.  Overton  was  pastor 
at  Antioch  and  had  carried  on  a  meeting  of  sev- 
eral days,  he  was  compelled  to  close  the  services; 
but  there  was  such  a  deep  feeling  of  earnestness 
in  the  congregation,  the  church  members  were 
very  sad  to  see  such  a  meeting  closed.  They 
talked  the  matter  over  and  decided  to  come  again 
the  next  day  and  have  a  prayer  meeting.  'Oh,' 
said  one,  'if  only  our  dear  old  pastor,  Dr.  Mell, 
could  come  now. '  But  they  had  no  hope  of  such 
a  thing.  Dr.  Mell  passed  up  the  road  toward 
Athens  that  afternoon,  and  as  the  train  stopped 
at  Antioch  he  stepped  out  to  see  if  any  friends 
were  there,  and  some  one  begged  him  to  come 
back  to  church  the  next  day,  even  if  he  could  not 
preach.  At  the  close  of  the  prayer  meeting  the 
next  morning,  in  walked  Dr.  Mell,  to  the  surprise 
and  delight  of  his  friends.  God  had  sent  him, 
for  he  preached  with  the  greatest  ease,  and  joy, 
and  there  was  a  most  gracious  outpouring  of  the 
Spirit,  and  many  were  added  to  the  church. 
This  season  was  a  most  happy  one  to  him,  it  was 
the  reaping  of  what  he  had  sown  years  before — 
may  w^e  say  it  was  the  aftermath? 

"How  like  a  panorama  these  scenes  pass  I 
The  grey-headed  fathers  and  mothers  in  Israel 
have  gone  the  way  of  all  the  earth.  Those  who 
were  then  young  and  blooming  are  now  bending 
under  the  weight  of  years.     Snowy  locks,  wrin- 


PASTORAL  WORK.  73 

kled  faces,  faltei-ing  voices  show  how  we  all  'do 
fade  as  a  leaf. " 

"A  young  man  in  the  prime  of  stalwart  man- 
hood occupies  the  pulpit  at  old  Antioch,*  and 
his  congregation  look  to  him  for  spiritual  food; 
he  goes  in  and  out  among  his  flock,  and  they 
love  him,  and  thank  God  that  one  so  worthy 
has  been  placed  where  Dr.  Mell  stood.  Who 
is  he?  'One  of  Dr.  Mell's  boys.'  A  struggling 
lad,  fighting  his  way  through  many  obstacles. 
Dr.  Mell  helped  him  by  word  and  deed,  and 
he  has  proven  himself  worthy  the  confidence. 
A  slender  man,  in  middle  life,  preaches  at  Bairds- 
town.*  During  the  late  war  he  was  wounded 
by  a  ball  that  well-nigh  let  his  soul  out  through 
the  rent 'in  his  side,  but  the  bullet  could  not 
harm  his  manly  spirit,  and  he  lives  to  preach 
with  burning  zeal  and  eloquent  tongue  to  the 
people  among  whom  he  was  born  and  reared — 
another  of  'Dr.  Mell's  boys.'  How  many  of  them 
there  are.  "What  a  noble  band  of  brothers.  They 
preach  the  same  gospel  he  so  loved,  and  thus 
the  glorious  work  of  his  life  goes  on,  though  his 
lips  have  been  silenced.  How  poor  and  puiiy 
seem  the  struggles  for  political  preferment  when 
contrasted  with  the  life  of  this  noble  preacher  of 
the  Word.  The  mind  sinks  and  is  lost  in  the 
blaze  of  light  that  falls  on  us  as  we  try  to  picture 
the   scene   hereafter   when   the   book    shall   be 

*1890. 


74  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

opened  and  all  the  grand  sum  total  of  the  results 
of  such  long  and  faithful  service  to  God  shall  be 
made  manifest.     Well  might  he  sing: 

'And  the  Lord  haste  the  day  when  faith  shall  be  sight, 

The  clouds  be  rolled  back  as  a  scroll. 
The  trump  shall  resound,  and  the  Lord  shall  descend, 

Rven  so,  it  is  well  with  my  soul.'  " 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       75 


CHAPTER  VII. 

DIFFICULTIES     IN     MERCER    UNIVERSITY,     POL- 
LOWED   BY   HIS    RESIGNATION. 

In  1843  it  became  evident  to  the  friends  of 
M^cer  University  that  the  Institution  was  suf- 
fering for  want  of  better  management.  This 
condition  of  affairs  was  so  well  known  to  the 
members  of  the  Faculty  that  they  agreed  some 
radical  change  was  absolutely  necessary  to  bring 
the  University  back  to  its  former  prosperity. 
Some  members  of  the  Faculty,  Prof.  Mell  among 
the  number,  sent  in  their  resignations  and  stated 
to  the  Board  that  they  "considered  a  radical 
change  in  its  present  organization  essential  to 
its  prosperity,  and  desired  to  leave  the  Brethren 
of  the  Board  unembarrassed  to  make  that 
change."  The  Board  elected  Dr.  Dagg  President 
and  refused  to  accept  the  resignations  of  the 
members  of  the  Faculty.  The  Institution  soon 
Taegan  to  revive,  and  the  outlook  greatly  bright- 
ened. This  disposition  on  the  part  of  Professor 
Mell,  shown  in  this  incident,  proves  .what  was 
true  of  him  throughout  his  life,  that  he  was 
ready  to  sacrifice  his  own  convenience  and  self- 


76  T.IFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL*. 

interest  whenever  he  thought  that  by  so  doing 
he  would  advance  the  cause  for  which  he  was 
working. 

In  1851  he  was  elected  Secretary  of  the  South- 
ern Baptist  Publication  Society,  located  in 
Charleston,  S.  C,  but  he  declined  this  office  be- 
cause the  position  would  take  him  out  of  the 
State,  and  away  from  his  field  of  labor  and  many 
warm,  personal  friends.  He  served,  how^ever, 
for  a  number  of  years  on  the  Board  of  Managers 
of  this  Society. 

On  the  10th  of  June,  1854,  he  was  unanimously 
elected  President  of  Wake  Forest  College  of 
North  Carolina,  but  this  position  he  also  de- 
clined. 

Prom  this  date  until  1855  the  affairs  at  Pen- 
lield  moved  on  very  smoothly.  At  this  time, 
however,  a  crisis  occurred  in  the  history  of  the 
University  that  resulted  in  serious  trouble. 
Dr.  Dagg,  the  venerable  President,  was  requested 
by  the  Board  to  resign;  and  such  reasons  were 
assigned  for  this  course  as  were  calculated,  in 
the  opinion  of  Prof.  Mel],  to  do  great  injustice 
to  a  capable  and  faithful  officer.  At  that  time  it 
was  tiie  intention  of  the  Board  to  elect  Prof. 
P.  H.  Mell  as  Dr.  Dagg's  successor.  Prof.  Mell, 
in  writing  of  this  period,  says :  '  'This  I  learned 
from  members  of  the  Board,  and  from  Prof. 
Crawford,  who  had  made  the  necessary  inquiries,. 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       77 

and  who  was  the  first  to  inform  me  that  the 
Board  had  requested  Dr.  Dagg's  resignation. 
Not  willing  to  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity 
for  personal  aggrandizement  at  the  expense  of 
injustice  to  my  venerablQ  colleague,  I  united  with 
all  the  other  Professors,  excepting  Prof.  Craw- 
ford (who  declined  to  do  so),  in  a  respectful  and 
legitimate  testimony  to  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
with  the  design  to  disabuse  their  minds  in  regard 
to  Dr.  Dagg."  This  availed  nothing,  however, 
and  Dr.  Dagg  was  retired.  Very  soon  after 
Prof.  Crawford  was  elected  to  fill  the  i30sition  of 
President,  although  against  the  wishes  of  almost 
the  entire  Faculty.  There  soon  sprang  up  be- 
tween Prof,  Mell  and  President  Crawford  a  dif- 
ference of  opinion  in  regard  to  the  duties'belong- 
ing  to  each,  which  resulted  in  an  estrangement, 
and  their  resignations  were  offered  to  the  Board. 
The  matter  was  partially  healed,  by  the  friends 
of  the  two  officers,  for  a  time  and  their  resigna- 
tions were  withdrawn.  It  was  not  long,  how- 
ever, before  the  trouble  between  them  was 
fanned  into  a  flame  and  Prof.  Mell  preferred  to 
retire  rather  than  to  remain  connected  with  the 
Institution  under  the  management  of  a  gentle- 
man with  whose  administration  he  could  not 
agree.  So  on  October  23,  1855,  he  resigned  the 
Professorship  of  Ancient  Languages. 

Dr.  Dagg  realizing  the  great  sacrifice  made  in 
his  behalf,  wrote  the  following  letters  to  show 


7o  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

his  keen  appreciation  of   the  warm  friendship 
extended  him  by  Prof.  Mell: 

"Rev.  p.  H.  Mell: 

Dear  Brother:  The  late  act  of  the  Board  of  Trustees 
has  deprived  the  University  of  your  valuable  services, 
and  you  of  the  employment  on  which  you  were  relying 
for  the  support  of  your  growing  family.  It  will  also  tend 
very  seriously  to  affect,  for  a  time,  your  reputation 
abroad.  The  public  will  not  take  pains  to  investigate  the 
facts;  but  will  conclude  that  a  board  of  twenty-one  men, 
selected  for  their  wisdom  to  "manage  the  University, 
would  not  permit  such  an  act  to  pass,  and  stand  responsi- 
ble for  it  to  the  world,  if  it  were  without  just  cause.  This 
influence  is  now  bearing  against  you.  In  these  circum- 
stances, the  opinions  of  those  who  know  you  best  will  at 
least  be  consolatory  to  you.  One  who  has  been  intimately 
associated  with  you  in  the  service  of  the  University  for 
nearly  twelve  years,  offers  his,  in  the  subjoined  copy  of  a 
letter  this  day  enclosed  to  the  President  of  the  Board  of 
Ti'ustees.  If  it  can  further  serve  you,  it  is  committed  to 
your  discretion. 

Yours  truly, 
October  27th,  1855.  J.  L.  Dagg." 

"To  THE  Hon.  Thomas  Stocks,  President  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  Mercer  University: 
Dear  Brother:  From  documents  which  I  have  seen, 
it  appears  that  at  the  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  on  Tues- 
day last,  Prof.  Mell  was  dismissed  from  office  on  a  charge 
of  hostility  to  the  President,  which  charge  was  preferred 
against  him  by  the  President.  Prof.  Mell  is  regarded  by 
the  Board  as  a  worthy  Christian  minister,  and  as  a  com- 
petent and  laborious  instructor.  No  failure  in  duty  to 
the  University  appears  to  be  laid  to  his  charge.  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  testifying  before  the  Board  in  December  last, 
that  during  the  whole  period  of  my  Presidency  (ten  and 
one-half  years),  he  had  been  the  right  arm  of  our  disci- 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.        79 

pliue;  and  I  consider  the  present  prosperity  of  the  Uni- 
versity attributable  to  no  one  more  than  to  him. 

When  such  an  officer,  on  such  a  charge,  so  unsustained 
by  proof,  is  dismissed  from  service  by  the  Board,  the  re- 
ward of  fidelity  is  too  uncertain  to  render  office  desirable. 
It  is  my  wish  to  retire  from  the  University;  I  therefore 
respectfully  present  to  you  my  resignation,  to  take  effect 
six  months  from  hence. 

Yours  truly, 

J.  L.  Dagg. 
Penfield,  Ga.,  October  27th,  1855." 

The  students,  hearing  of  Prof.  Mell's  retire- 
ment from  the  University,  held  a  meeting,  at 
which  resolutions  were  passed,  expressing  sor- 
row and  disapprobation  at  the  dismissal  of  an 
officer  whom  they  had  learned  to  love  and  whose 
attainments  they  so  much  admired.  The  follow- 
ing is  a  copy  of  these  resolutions: 

"Wihereas — The  pleasant  relationship  which  Prof.  Mell 
has  heretofore  sustained  to  the  students  of  Mercer  Uni- 
versity as  Professor  of  Ancient  Languages  no  longer 
exists, 

Resolved — That  we,  students  of  Mercer  University, 
take  this  method  of  expressing  our  appreciation  of  his 
exalted  merits  as  a  true  friend  of  the  student,  as  an  able 
and  accomplished  instructor,  and  as  a  faithful  minister  of 
the  Gospel,  and  that  we,  with  feelings  of  deep  regret,  see 
him  retire  from  the  responsible  position  which  he  has  for 
so  many  years  so  honorably  and  successfully  maintained. 

Resolved — That  in  his  retirement  he  will  carry  with 
him  our  best  wishes  for  his  future  happiness  and  the 
earnest  desire  that  in  whatever  sphere  his  lot  may  be 
cast,  his  labors  may  be  rewarded  with  the  same  eminent 
success  that  has  attended  them  during  his  connection  with 
Mercer  University. 


80  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MEL,L. 

Resolved — That  as  a  testimonial  of  the  high  esteem 
and  admiration  which  we  entei'tain  towards  him,  both  as 
a  man  and  as  a  laborious  and  competent  Professor,  we 
tender  hiin  a  gold-headed  cane,  bearing  the  inscription: 
Prof.  P.  H.  Mell,  from  students  of  Mercer  University." 

Mr.  E,  L.  Compere,  in  comi^any  with  the  otlier 
young  men,  repaired  to  Prof.  Mell's  residence, 
and  after  a  neat  address  presented  the  cane. 
Prof.  Mell  thanked  the  students  for  the  beauti- 
ful testimonial  of  their  esteem,  and  said: 

"It  shall  be  an  ornament  to  me  in  my  manhood,  and,  in 
old  age,  should  Pi'ovidence  grant  it  to  me,  it  shall  be  the 
support  of  my  tottering  steps.  Even  now  there  is  a  moral 
sentiment  contained  in  it  which  enables  me  to  stand  more 
erect  and  tread  with  firmer  footsteps  in  the  midst  of  the 
inequalities  and  impediments  that  obstruct  my  pathway." 

This  j)romise  was  faithfully  kept.  The  cane 
did  support  him  through  his  manhood,  and  in 
old  age  became  his  daily  companion.  He  kept 
the  memento  with  the  greatest  care  throughout 
his  long  eventful  life  as  a  pleasant  reminder  of 
the  few  bright  rays  that  penetrated  the  dark 
clouds  surrounding  him  in  1855  and  1856.  The 
writer  of  this  biography  now  possesses  this  cane 
and  it  shall  be  as  sacredly  kept  through  his  life 
as  it  was  preserved  through  that  of  his  father. 

About  the  same  time  the  citizens  of  Penfield 
assembled  in  the  town  hall  and  presented  Prof. 
Mell  with  a  handsome  gold  watch  as  an  evidence 
of  the  kind  regard  they  had  for  him,  and  the 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       81 

high  estimate  they  placed  upon  his  character  as 
a  public- spirited  citizen.  This  watch  he  wore 
until  a  few  years  since,  when  he  gave  it  to  his 
son,  T.  S.  Mell,  who  now  keeps  it  as  one  of  his 
most  valuable  possessions. 

While  these  troubles  were  crowding  around 
Prof.  Mell  thick  and  fast  at  Penfield,  the  great 
Baptist  Denomination  did  not  stand  silently  by 
aud  see  him  crushed  without  raising  a  hand  in 
his  behalf  and  in  his  defense,  but  he  was  elected 
Moderator  of  the  Georgia  Baptist  Association. 
This  is  the  oldest  and  most  influential  Associa- 
tion in  the  State.  He  was  elected  to  this  posi- 
tion in  October,  1855,  and  here  began  the  mani- 
festation of  that  knowledge  of  Parliamentary 
Law  which  made  him  justly  famous  in  after  years 
as  the  "Prince  of  Parliamentarians."  While  at- 
tending the  meetings  of  this  Association  he  be- 
came intimately  acquainted  with  such  men  as 
Sanders,  Dagg,  Hiilyer,  Callaway,  Tupper,  the 
Kilpatricks,  Absalom  Jones,  Thomas  Stocks, 
Dickinson,  Thornton,  John  L.  West,  Jesse  Mer- 
cer, Sherwood,  Mallory,  Marshall,  and  others. 

The  members  of  Dr.  MelFs  churches  at  Antioch 
and  Bairdstown  rallied  around  him  during  his 
troubles  with  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Mercer 
University,  and  without  an  exception,  warmly 
sustained  him  during  those  dark  days.  Besides 
giving  him  all  the  moral  support  in  their  power, 
they  largely  increased   his   salary  so   that   his 


82  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

family  should  not  want.  This  great  kindness 
and  deep  affection,  extended  by  his  people  when 
he  most  needed  their  friendship  and  sympathy, 
touched  him  .very  deeply,  and  he  never  lost  an 
opportunity  to  express  his  gratitude. 

At  this  time  his  friends  in  Georgia  and  other 
States,  knowing  that  he  was  disengaged,  and 
appreciating  his  work  as  a  preacher  and  teacher, 
offered  him  a  number  of  positions  of  importance 
and  distinction,  as  President  of  colleges  and 
pastor  of  churches.  The  following  are  given  to 
indicate  the  character  of  these  positions: 

In  1855  he  was  elected  President  of  the  Baptist 
College  of  Mississippi;  also  Principal  of  the 
Montgomery,  Alabama,  Female  Institute;  and 
pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Savannah, 
Georgia. 

In  1856  the  Mississippi  College  authorities, 
declining  to  accept  his  refusal  of  the  Presidency 
tendered  him  a  short  time  before,  re-elected  him 
to  that  position,  which  he  again  declined. 

In  reply  to  the  notification  of  the  election  to 
the  Presidency  of  the  Mississippi  College,  he 
wrote  as  follows: 

"Penfield,  Ga.,  November  26th,  1855. 
Dear  Brother  Philips: 

I  regret  very  much  that  your  lettei'S  conveying  the 
flattering  announcement  of  my  unanimous  election  to  the 
Presidency  of  your  college  have  found  me  in  such  cir- 
cumstances. 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MEllCER  UNIVERSITY.        83 

Accompanying  this  you  will  receive  a  printed  docu- 
ment whicii  makes  an  exposition  of  recent  events  i:i 
Mercer  University.  The  day  after  the  catastrophe  here  I 
requested  Brother  Compere  to  address  you  and  inform 
you  of  tlie  fact  that  you  might  be  prevented  from  acting 
in  the  dark  in  regard  to  your  proposed  election.  I  liave 
reason  to  infer,  therefore,  that  your  Trustees  were  not  i:i 
possession  of  at  least  all  of  the  facts  when  they  met.  If 
you  were  so  uninformed  at  the  time,  duty  to  myself  as 
well  as  to  you,  would  compel  me  to  decline  the  appoint- 
ment. And  even  if  you  acted  with  a  full  knov/ledge  of 
the  facts  it  would  not  be,  in  my  opinion,  judicious  for 
either  of  us  to  consent  to  the  proposed  connection  until  1 
had  had  time  to  rej^el  the  onsets  which  are  made  on  me 
and  to  wipe  out  the  stain  which  it  is  attempted  to  affix  to 
me.  With  this  object  in  view  I  have  declined  other 
brilliant  offers,  and  have  concluded  to  remain  for  the 
next  year  right  liere  (Penfield),  serving  my  two  churches 
who  have  nobly  come  up  to  the  rescue,  offering  to  i^ay  me 
at  the  rate  of  $1600  per  year.  Thus  far  I  have  no  i-eason 
to  complain  of  the  manner  in  which  the  Denomination,  in 
all  parts  of  the  State,  receive  tlie  action  of  a- fragment  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees. 

It  is  gratifying  to  me  to  know  of  the  magnanimity  dis- 
played by  your  Board  in  waiving  objections  to  me  on  the 
ground  of  my  reputed  opposition  to  revision.  But  the 
fact  is  they  are  misinformed  in  reference  to  my  position 
on  the  subject.  I  have  never  taken  ground  of  opposition 
to  'revision";  on  the  contrary,  I  told  Brother  Wal- 
ler that  if  the  Society  could  be  formed  to  revise  the 
English  Scriptures,  and  to  dissolve  as  soon  as  completed, 
1  would  join  it  and  labor  for  it  with  all  my  might.  I 
have  never  even  taken  public  ground  of  opjDOsition  to  the 
'Bible  Union,'  and  never  expect  to.  There  are  some  fea- 
tures which  J  wish  were  different,  but  the  whole  thing- 
is  a  foregone  conclusion  and  resistance  to  it  now  can.  in 
my  opinion,  do  no  good. 

I  have  been  opposed  to  connecting  the  Revision  Move- 
ment, either  in  fact  or  in  appearance,  with  the  Southern 


84  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Bajjtist  Convention,  because  it  is  a  question  that  elicits  a 
difference  of  sentiment,  and  I  am  unwilling  that  our  mis- 
sionary enterprises  should  be  embarrassed  by  it,  but  I 
have  never  had  an  oppoi'tunity  publicly  to  expi'ess  even 

this 

I  am  sorry  to  say  that  circumstances  leave  me  no  option 
in  the  case,  and  compel  me  to  respectfully  decline  the 
appointment  to  the  Presidency  of  Mississippi  College. 
Fraternally  yours. 

P.  H.  Mell." 

Upon  his  re-election  to  the  Presidency  of  Mis- 
sissippi College,  in  spite  of  the  above  letter, 
Prof.  Mell  wrote  as  follows: 


'•Penfield,  Ga.,  June  22nd,  1856. 
Dear  Brother  Philips: 

I  received  your  letter  informing  me  that  I  had  again 
been  elected  President  of  Mississippi  College,  and  re- 
questing my  acceptance  of  the  post 

While  I  have  an  exalted  conception  of  the  post  you 
■offer  me,  for  the  lionor  attached  to  it,  and  for  the  oppor- 
tunity for  usefulness  it  alTords.  and  while  I  can  never  for- 
get the  magnanimity  with  which  your  Board  have  treated 
me,  I  still  feel  constrained  respectfully  to  decline  the 
Presidency  of  Mississippi  College  for  the  following 
reasons: 

Your  design,  1  learn,  in  electing  a  President  now  is  to 
give  your  Institution  an  impulse  by  gathering  to  its  sup- 
port those  who  have  stood  aloof  because  the  organization 
was  not  complete,  and  by  inspiring  confidence  in  the 
minds  of  all  its  friends.  To  secure  this  result  the  Presi- 
dent-elect must  come  to  you  with  some  degree  at  least  of 
prestige.  It  is  not  enough  that  he  bo  one  able  to  meet 
difficulties  and  discouragements  and  remove  them;  and 
by  patience  and  continued  efficiency  win  the  confidence 
luid  co-operation  that  are  not  at  first  unhesitatingly  ac- 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.        85 

corded  to  him.  What  you  need  is  not  a  man  who  can 
acquire  capital,  but  one  who  has  it  now  to  put  into  the 

concern In  a  case  like  your's,  when  there  are  so 

many  other  gentlemen,  to  say  the  least,  fully  as  com- 
petent as  myself,  whose  services  can  be  secured,  and  who 
can  enter  upon  office  with  eclat,  I  should  not  for  selfish 
considerations  subject  you  to  the  danger  of  a  failure  in 
your  main  design.  I  have  been  for  some  time  engaged  in  a 
controversy  here  which  has  not  as  yet  been  entirely  set- 
tled. During  the  progress  of  it  I  have  been  the  object  of 
no  little  disparagement,  public  and  private,  and  the  sub- 
ject of  summary,  not  to  say  ignominious  treatment  from 
those  with  whom  I  have  been  long  associated.  Now 
while  I  am  convinced  that  the  course  of  conduct  which 
invited  all  this  was  the  most  honorable  and  disinterested 
of  my  life,  yet  it  is  certain  that  many,  not  being  in  pos- 
session of  the  facts  of  the  case,  do  not  at  the  present  so 
esteem  it.  It  would  be  selfish  in  me,  therefore,  to  permit 
great  interests  in  other  States  to  embarrass  themselves 
by  connection  with  me  until  I  have  succeeded  in  remov- 
ing misapprehensions,  refuting  calumnies  and  demon- 
strating to  the  candid  and  the  discerning  in  my  own  State 
that  I  have  been  misapprehended  and  misjudged.  Be- 
sides this  I  instinctively  shrink  from  the  proposition  to 
accept  office,  when  by  accepting  I  would  dislodge  or  even 
disquiet  in  his  relations,  an  officer  whose  commission  is 
of  an  older  date  and  whose  services  are  appreciated. 
You  were  candid  enough  to  say  to  me  that  my  acceptance 
might  probably  involve  the  resignation  of  one  of  the  pro- 
fessors. Now  I  do  not  know  what  personal  objections 
that  officer,  who  has  had  a  long  and  intimate  association 
with  me,  raises  to  me;  but  I  feel  under  obligations  to  i-e- 
spect  them.  He  was  my  pupil  for  three  years;  and  I  feel 
competent  and  free  to  say  that  he  possesses  the  intel- 
lectual qualifications  and  literary  attainments  to  make 
you  a  competent  professor."'  ....  (This  Professor,  in 
after  years,  was  most  bitter  in  his  opposition  to  the 
writer  of  this  letter.) 

"I  beg  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  accept  the  expression 


86  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

of  my  lasting  gratitude  for  the  magnanimitj^  with  which 
they  have  treated  me. 

With  the  highest  esteem  for  yourself,  personally,  my 
dear  Brother, 

Yours  in  Christ's  bonds, 

P.  H.  Mell. 

The  preceding  and  following  letters  are  given 
in  this  connection  in  order  to  bring  out  some  of 
the  salient  points  in  Professor  Mell's  position 
during  his  contest  with  the  authorities  of  Mercer 
University.  They  go  to  show,  in  a  striking  man- 
ner, how  earnestly  he  combated  the  difficulties 
crowding  around  him.  Many  men  would  have 
yielded  under  such  pressure,  but  the  early  train- 
ing to  which  he  was  subjected,  the  hard  blows 
he  received  from  the  world  from  the  time  he  was 
fourteen  years  of  age,  well  prepared  him  for 
these  stormy  times;  and  the  successful  surmount- 
ing of  all  these  difficulties  in  after  years,  no 
doubt,  was  largely  due  to  the  rough  experiences 
of  his  young  life. 

"Penfield,  Ga.,  September  17th,  1856. 
Dear  Brother  Philips: 

I  have  just  returned  home  after  an  almost  continuous 
absence  of  seven  weeks.  Knowing  that  your  Board  would 
not  meet  until  October  I  have  delayed  as  long  as  possible 
with  the  hope  that,  by  some  possibility,  I  might  be  so  re- 
lieved from  the  embarrassment,  as  to  answer  you  in  accord- 
ance with  your  expressed  wishes.  When  I  declined  your 
call  I  was  influenced  chiefly  by  the  apprehension  that  if  I 
accepted  with  (as  appeared  to  me)  my  disabilities,  I  would 
be  the  occasion  of  division  among  you.     That  apprehen- 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       87' 

sion  has  been  entirely  removed  by  the  subsequent  action 
and  testimony  of  your  Board,  Your  last  official  commu- 
nication, however,  found  me  laboring  under  new  embar- 
rassments. In  the  first  place  my  two  churches  had  ex- 
tended me  a  call  indefinite  as  to  duration,  offering  to  rae 
an  amount  adequate  to  my  support.  This  I  had  uncon- 
ditionally accepted.  Then  again  two  other  colleges  in  my 
own  state  had  elected  me  each  as  their  President,  and 'a 
company  of  friends  in  Columbus  had  offered  to  me  an  in- 
dependent school  with  a  salary  of  $4,000  a  year,  and  the 
colleges  have  been  up  to  this  time  offering  to  me  the  most 
urgent  appeals  to  accept.  Among  them  all  no  position 
(in  an  Institution)  has  seemed  to  me  to  afford  so  great  an 
opportunity  for  usefulness  as  that  tendered  by  you;  and 
surely,  so  far  as  honor  is  concerned,  it  contains  enough 
to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  the  most  eager  ambition. 

I  have  found,  however,  on  cautious  inquiry  (and  I  have 
delayed  in  order  that  I  might  make  such  inquiry)  that 
my  brethren  are  unwilling  to  give  me  up.  I  suppose  if  I 
should  make  formal  application  to  be  released  they  would 
not  refuse;  but  this  I  do  not  feel  at  liberty  to  do,  when  I 
remember  how  generously  they  stood  up  to  me  in  my  hour 
of  trial — when  the  storm  was  raging  most  fiercely  against 
me.  Besides,  the  Lord  has  continued  to  bless  my  ministry 
most  signally  among  them;  and  I  am  led  from  Providen- 
tial indications,  as  well  as  from  impressions  made  upon 
my  mind,  to  believe  that  it  is  the  Lord's  will  that  I  should 
give  myself  exclusively  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  minis- 
try— that  which  has  been  the  cherished  desire  of  my  heart 
ever  since  1  took  the  ministerial  vows  upon  me. 

I  see  it  stated  in  the  newspapers  that  I  have  accepted 
the  Presidency  of  the  Cherokee  Baptist  College;  but  it  is 
all  news  to  me.  They  themselves  requested  me  not  to 
give  them  an  answer  until  October,  knowing  that  if  J 
answered  at  the  time  they  wrote  me,  it  would  be  in  a 
declination. 

Under  all  the  circumstances,  therefore,  having  weighed 
the  subject  carefully,  and  I  trust,  prayerfully,  I  have 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  out  of  my  power  to  with- 


88  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

draw  the  declination  of  the  post  offered  to  me  by  the 
Trustees  of  Mississippi  College.  I  feel  impelled  to  do  so. 
I  shall  ever  retain  as  a  cherished  memory  the  acquaint- 
ance I  have  formed  with  the  character  of  the  Mississippi 
Baptists,  and  the  kind  and  magnanimous  treatment  I  have 
received  at  their  hands.  I  hope  I  shall  ever  have  some 
islace  in  their  confidence  and  affections;  and  I  beg  to  as- 
sure them  that  I  have  delayed  my  reply  to  their  last  of- 
ficial communication  solely  by  the  desire  to  see  whether 
the  way  might  not  be  opened  for  forming  more  intimate 
relations  with  brethren  who  have  done  so  much  to  com- 
mand my  gratitude  and  esteem. 

Yours  in  gospel  bonds, 

P.  H.  Mell."' 

"Penfield,  Ga.,  October  21st,  1856. 
Hon.  M.  a.  Cooper,  Etowah,  Ga.: 

Dear  Brother:  You  have  doubtless  heard  ere  this 
that  I  hav^e  considered  it  my  duty  to  decline  the  Presiden- 
cy of  Chei'okee  Baptist  College.  Prior  engagements  to 
my  churches,  from  which  I  could  not  have  been  honor- 
ably released,  prevented  my  acceptance. 

Besides,  there  were  other  serious  difficulties  in  the  way 
if  these  had  been  removed.  In  the  first  place  there  was 
the  danger  that  my  acceptance  would  be  the  occasion  of 
the  perpetuation  of  party  spirit  and  strife  among  the  Bap- 
tists of  Georgia.  It  is  evident  that  the  gentlemen  con- 
nected with  this  Institution  here  (Mercer)  whom  I  have 
ofTended,  because  I  protested  against  their  treatment  of 
Dr.  Dagg,  are  determined  that  I  shall  attain  to  no  denom- 
inational position  in  Georgia.  (On  this  point  the  history 
of  their  secret  action  in  regard  to  the  Christian  Index 
would  be  edifying).  My  acceptance,  therefore,  would 
have  been  the  signal  for  onsets  upon  me  as  the  'enemy 
of  Mercer  University,'  as  'impelled  by  motives  of  re- 
venge,' as  'determined  to  rule  or  ruin.'  This  would 
have  roused  in  turn  my  friends — not  a  few — who  consider 
that  I  have  not  been  justly  treated  by  these  brethren:  and 
the  danger  would  li-ave  been  that   the   two    Institutions 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       89 

would  have  been  arrayed  in  open  hostility,  and  the  Bap- 
tist Denomination  exhibited  to  the  world  as  a  'divided, 
discordant,  bellig-erent'  community.  Now  while  I  have 
no  reason  to  feel  the  slightest  temptation  to  refrain  from 
any  tiling-  because  these  gentlemen  object,  I  feel  entirely 
unwilling  to  strike  even  them  a  blow  which,  feeble  as  it 
may  be,  may  fall  in  any  measure  upon  the  denomination 
I  love. 

This  danger,  however.,  may  have  been  avoided  by  watch- 
fulness: and  it  is  more  than  half  obviated  as  soon  as  we 
become  aware  of  its  existence. 

Another  difficulty  in  the  way  of  my  acceptance  was  the 
ignominious  treatment  I  had  received  from  the  BaiMst 
Denomination  through  its  agents,  in  the  fact  that  I  was 
disgracefully  expelled  from  position  in  Mercer  Universi- 
ty. I  still  stand  before  the  world,  so  far  as  the  action  of 
Georgia  Baptists  is  concerned,  as  one  whose  conduct  was 
such  as  to  deserve  summary  expulsion  from  office.  Now 
r  feel  unwilling  to  embarrass  the  promising  educational 
interests  in  Cherokee  by  aiding  it  to  form  a  connection 
with  a  man  who  appears  before  the  world  as  under  the 
ban  of  his  brethren. 

At  the  Convention  I  asked  not  for  full  reparation,  but 
merely  that  justice  might  be  done  to  my  reputation. 
These  trustees  so  far  from  showing  a  disposition  to  acquit 
my  moral  and  professional  character  ol  all  blame,  trumped 
up  a  set  of  frivolous  and  unfounded  charges  against  me, 
(which  were  evidently  an  after  thought  or  they  would 
not  have  testified  at  the  time  they  expelled  me  that  I  was 
a  worthy  'Christian  minister,  and  a  competent  and  la- 
borious officer  long  connected  with  the  Univei'sity'),  and 
then  were  driven  to  the  humiliating  necessity  of  voting 
for  a  report  which,  whatever  might  be  to  me  its  objection- 
able features,  bore  inferential  testimony  to  my  compe- 
tency and  faithfulness  as  a  college  officer — the  very  things 
(the  latter,  at  least)  which  they  attempted  before  your 
committee  to  impugn. 

Now  if  they  had  reported  to  the  Convention  that  they 
had  removed  me  mei-ely  because  they  thought  Dr.  Craw- 


90  L,IFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

iord  and  I  could  not  co-operate,  and  tliat  they  ijreferred 
Dr.  Crawford  to  me,  insinuating  no  blame  to  me,  I  should 
not  have  opened  my  mouth.  But  instead  they  came  there 
with  the  most  meagre  statements,  after  spreading  the  ru- 
mor all  over  the  State  that  they  would  be  i^rovided  with 
another  report  containing  charges  against  me  which,  if 
presented,  would  I'uin  my  reputation.  And  I  have  au- 
thentic information  that  some  of  them  are  still  whisper- 
ing that  they  have  private  reasons  for  their  action  which 
if  divulged  would  ruin  me. 

I  announced  to  the  Convention  that  if  they  would  print 
only  the  conclusion  to  which  the  committee  arrived  I 
would  be  satisfied;  and  I  understood  that  body  so  to  oi'der, 
but  such  a  showing  does  not  appear  on  the  minutes.  Nor 
am  I  ignorant  of  the  influences  the  most  active  of  these 
Trustees  brought  to  bear  on  the  Clerk  to  accomplish  this 
result.  The  conclusion  of  the  committee's  reiiort  based  the 
action  of  the  Trustees  upon  the  want  of  harmony;  the 
synopsis,  which  precedes  the  conclusion,  intimates  that 
Dr.  Dagg  and  I  were  to  blame  for  that  want  of  harmony. 
I  had  no  opportunity  to  meet  the  statements  in  that  synop- 
sis before  your  committee,  for  I  was  ignoi-ant  of  its  exist- 
ence until  it  was  read  out  in  public;  but  if  I  d.id  not  dem- 
onstrate its  inaccuracy  on  the  floor  of  the  Convention  it 
has  been  done  conclusively  by  Dr.  Dagg  in  a  letter  to 
Brother  Burney,  a  copy  of  which  in  justice  to  you  I  sup- 
pose the  Trustees  have  sent  you. 

Now  I  do  not  mention  these  things  in  a  way  of  quer- 
ulousness;  for  I  do  not  murmur  on  the  field  of  battle,  es- 
pecially when  I  am  contending  for  the  right.  I  did  not 
fail  entirely  to" foresee  the  consequences  which  would  re- 
sult to  me  when  I  dared  (ignoring  self-interest)  to  protest 
against  the  injustice  of  those  in  power;  and  whatever  of 
those  consequences  I  may  not  be  able  to  ward  off  and  re- 
pel, I  trust  I  have  manliness  and  fortitude  enough  to  en- 
dure. I  have  mentioned  these  things  as  facts  which  con- 
stitute disabilities  in  the  way  of  my  acceptance  of  office  in 
an  Institution.  Some  may  call  this  2>ride;  others,  looking 
at  it  from  a  slightly  different  point  of  view,  may  charac- 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.        91 

ter'ize  it  as  self-respect;  while  others  still  may  view  it  as 
common  liviidence  and  a  disinterested  desire  to  avoid  injui-y 
to  an  Institution  that  honors  me  with  an  invitation  to  ex- 
alted position. 

This  objection  the  college  at  Cassville  may  have  over- 
ruled; and  by  its  election  of  me  to  its  Presidency,  with  a 
knowledge  of  all  the  facts,  it  evinced  a  willingness  to  as- 
:sume  all  the  responsibilities  in  the  premises.  It  will  give 
me  pleasure  to  aid,  to  the  extent  of  my  ability,  the  educa- 
tional interests  of  Cherokee,  Georgia.  I  agree  with  you 
jmost  heartily  in  the  wish  that  the  Georgia  Baptists  could 
unite  in  establishing  an  Institution  in  such  locality  and 
under  such  auspices  as  to  command  the  confidence  and 
secure  the  patronage  of  all  ...  . 

With  great  respect  I  remain 

Yours  Fraternally, 

P.  H.  Mell." 

The  following  are  the  extracts  referred  to  in 
the  above  letters,  and  a  full  account  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  State  Baptist  Convention  will  be 
found  by  reference  to  the  minutes  of  1856  of  the 
.session  of  the  convention  in  Savannah,  Georgia. 

"Read  the  Report  of  the  Trustees  of  Mercer  University, 
and  on  motion  of  brother  Gaskill,  adopted  the  following 
resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  be 
referred  to  a  select  Committee  of  Seven,  and  that  said 
Committee  be  requested  to  examine  the  proceedings  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  concerning  their  dealings  with 
Professor  Mell,  seeking  all  the  information  they  can  get 
from  both  parties. 

In  accordance  with  this  resolution  the  Moderator  an- 
nounced the  following  committee:  Brethren  M.  A.  Cooper, 
R.  L.  McWhorter,  V.  A.  Gaskill,  E.  Dyer,  J.  S.  Baker, 
D.  W.  Lewis,  and  H.  C.  Hornady  .... 


92  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Resumed  the  reading  of  the  report  of  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
which  was  adopted.  It  was  agreed  that  tlie  liistorical 
part  of  the  report  be  omitted  in  the  printed  record,  and 
conclusion  of  the  committee  published  as  follows: 

From  the  foregoing  state  of  facts,  your  cominittee  are 
of  the  opinion,  that  the  proceedings  of  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees in  their  dealings  with  brother  Mell,  have  been 
prompted  by  a  desire  faithfully  to  administer  the  trust 
confided  to  them:  that  in  the  course  of  administration, 
they  were  under  the  painful  necessity  of  re-organizing 
the  Faculty  of  the  college  under  circumstances  of  great 
trial  arising  from  the  want  of  harmony  and  co-operation 
in  the  Faculty.  The  difficulty  and  magnitude  of  these 
trials  arose,  mainly  from  the  fact,  that  the  schism  existed 
between  most  worthy  brethren  and  eminent  professors, 
making  it  indisi)ensable  in  either  alternative  to  set  aside 
one  or  more  professors,  who,  under  other  circumstances, 
they  might  and  would  have  gladly  retained. 

As  regards  the  wrong  and  injury  complained  of  by 
Brother  Mell,  your  committee  are  of  opinion, 

1st,  That  Professor  Mell  was  not  removed  on  account  of 
charges  preferred — not  as  the  result  of  a  trial  and  convic- 
tion for  malfeasance  and  nonfeasance^acts  committed  or 
duties  neglected — but  simply  for  and  on  account  of  the 
fact,  that  there  was  not  and  could  not  obtain  a  co-opera- 
tion between  him  and  Dr.  Crawford,  whom  the  Trustees 
deemed  it  best  to  retain.  In  doing  which  they  have  borne 
testimonial  to  the  eminent  services  arjd  distinguished 
ability  of  Professor  Mell,  and  their  confidence  in  him  as  a 
Christian  minister.  Your  committee  think  it  indispen- 
sable to  a  successful  administration  of  the  ti-ust  reposed, 
that  the  Trustees  should  exercise  the  power  of  removal, 
with  or  without  a  trial,  or  charges  preferred.  The  com- 
mittee find  that  such  has  been  the  course  in  Professor 
Mell's  case,  and  that  the  result  ought  not  to  disparage 
his  character  as  a  Professor  and  Instructor,  and  may  well 
have  been  done  without  imputation  on  his  high  character 
as  a  Christian  and  a  minister  of  the  gospel." 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       93 

In  an  appendix  to  this  minute  the  following 
note  occurs,  signed  by  the  Clerk,  and  it  was  the 
publication  of  this  Report  in  full  which  Prof. 
Mell  objected  to  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Cooper. 

"On  page  12  the  following  record  appears  in  connection 
with  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  report  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees:  'It  was  agreed  that  the  historical  part 
of  the  report  be  omitted  in  the  printed  record,  and  the 
conclusion  of  the  committee  published.' 

''Since  the  printing  of  this  portion  of  the  minutes  I 
have  received  such  information  as  leaves  in  doubt  the  de- 
sign of  the  Convention  respecting-  the  printing  of  the 
report.  On  the  last  morning  of  the  late  meeting,  when 
the  minutes  of  the  preceding  day  were  read,  some  altera- 
tions were  made  by  general  consent,  without  a  formal 
vote.  One  was  to  suppress  a  notice  of  a  minority  report; 
another  was  to  erase  the  vote  on  the  adoption  of  the  ma- 
jority report.  It  was  also  suggested,  that  all  the  details 
of  the  majority  report  be  omitted,  except  the  conclusions 
of  the  committee.  No  opposition  to  this  suggestion  was 
expressed  at  the  time,  and  after  the  Convention  I  had 
such  testimony  from  prominent  brethren,  including  those 
who  voted  for  the  report  as  well  as  those  who  opposed  it, 
as  satisfied  me  that  it  was  the  wish  of  the  Convention  to 
publish  only  the  conclusions  of  the  committee.  The 
author  of  the  minority  report,  in  consenting  to  withdraw 
his  paper,  understood  that  nothing  but  the  conclusions  of 
the  majority  would  appear.  In  an  interview  between  the 
Moderator  (Brother  Stocks)  and  myself,  he  agreed  to 
affix  his  signature  to  the  minutes,  on  the  supposition  that 
the  brethren  most  interested  in  the  report  concurred  in 
the  omission.  But  after  I  had  sent  the  minutes  to  press, 
I  received  such  counter  testimony  as  convinced  me  that 
there  was  no  unanimity  on  this  point;  and  the  Moderator 
revoked  his  decision  on  the  following  principle:  'I  am 
satisfied  where  any  difference  of  opinion  exists  with  mem- 
bers of  the  Convention  as  to  facts,  the  officers  must  have 


94  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

j^course  to  the  original  manuscript.'  Being-  thus  left 
without  satisfactory  evidence  that  the  Convention  de- 
siufned  to  omit  the  committee's  narrative,  my  only  alter- 
native is  to  publish  the  whole  report,  leaving  out  only 
such  portions  ks  the  expressed  vote  of  the  Convention, 
and  the  general  consent  of  the  members,  authorized  to 
be  omitted.  I  have,  thei-efore,  published  the  report  in 
full,  except  the  documents  which  were  ordei-ed  to  be  re- 
turned to  the  Trustees  and  Brother  Mell,  and  the  letters 
of  the  committee  in  correspondence  with  the  parties  just 
named,  which,  I  have  no  doubt,  the  Convention  intended 
to  suppress. 

This  note  is  published  on  my  own  responsibility  and  at 
my  own  expense. 

Clerk." 

Before  the  meeting  of  this  Convention  there 
was  considerable  apprehension  on  the  part  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  and  their  friends  that  some 
move  would  be  put  on  foot  before  the  body  to 
disquiet  them  and  re-establish  Professor  Mell  in 
the  estimation  of  the  Denomination.  A  number 
of  letters  were  written  to  leading  Baptists  in  the 
State  and  much  canvassing  was  done  to  create 
an  opposition  to  such  a  contemplated  move. 
The  following  is  a  specimen  of  some  of  these 
documents,  written  by  the  friends  of  the  Board 
at  that  time.  This  was  addressed  to  Professor 
Mell  on  the  21st  of  April,  1856.  For  valid  rea- 
sons the  name  signed  to  this  letter  is  not  pub- 
lished. 

"Dear  Brother  Mell,  : 

Although  from  the  course  you  pur- 
sued in  Montgomery  last  year,  I  have  no  reason  to  believe 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       95 

that  you  regard  me  as  a  friend,  I  still  feel  a  desire  to  see 
you  doing  well — prospering  and  doing  honor  to  yourself 
and  our  denomination.  I  will,  therefore,  take  the  libei-ty 
to  express  my  views  freely  and  candidly  in  reference  to 
matters  affecting  your  interests  directly  and  the  intei"ests 
of  the  cause  of  Christ  indirectly.  It  is  a  matter  of  little 
consequence  to  me  whether  you  receive  this  favorably  or 
unfavorably. 

I  think  you  have  erred  seriously — to  the  injury  of  your- 
self and  to  that  of  the  common  cause  of  our  denomination, 
which  we  believe  to  be  identified  with  the  cause  of  Christ. 
My  acquaintance  with  you  and  your  situation  in  life, 
leads  me  to  make  many  allowances  for  what  I  consider 
your  errors,  which  others  might  not  be  disposed  to  make 
— I  allude  particularly  to  the  course  you  have  pursued  in 
reference  to  the  college  difficulties.  The  publication  of 
your  pamphlet  and  speeches  has  done  you  far  more  in- 
jury than  good,  made  more  enemies  than  friends.  Had 
you  submitted  in  silence  to  the  action  of  the  Board,  the 
sympathies  of  the  denomination  would  have  been  with 
you,  and  you  might  have  attained  to  a  situation  fully  as 
honorable  and  as  profitable  as  that  which  was  lost  to  you, 
and  at  some  future  day  have  conferred  on  you  all  the 
honors  and  emoluments  now  withheld  fi^om  you. 

The  continued  agitation  of  the  subject — the  letters 
written  and  agencies  employed,  to  rally  your  friends  and 
revolutionize  things  at  Penfield  and  in  Savannah,  has  had 
fully  as  much  effect  to  arouse  your  ojyponents  as  your 
friends.  I  regret  to  learn  that  it  is  in  contemplation  to 
agitate  the  subject  in  our  State  Convention,  and  to 
endeavor  to  elicit  some  action  of  that  body  in  your 
favor  ....  Now  suppose  the  effort  fails?  Will  it  not 
leave  you  in  a  worse  situation  than  that  in  which  you 
now  are?  If  it  does  not  fail  it  will  advance  your  interest 
but  very  little  at  present;  it  will  make  enemies  of  many 
who  now  esteem  you  highly,  and  who  would  be  willing  to 
aid  in  your  elevation,  provided  they  can  do  it  without 
taking  sides  with  you  against  the  Board;  and  worst  of 
all  it  u-ill  divide  and  cripple  the  energies  of  our  denomination. 


96  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

If  you  make  an  issue  with  the  Board  at  tlie  Convention, 
you  risk  far  more  than  you  can  j^ossibly  gain  by  any  action 
tliat  the  Convention  can  be  induced  to  take  in  your  favor. 
I  ask  you  to  think  seriously  of  tliis  matter,  and  not  to  risk 
all  upon  a  pitched  battle. 

T  learn  that  an  effoi't  will  be  made,  in  the  first  instance 
to  elect  you  to  the  Presidency  of  the  Convention  (I  hope 
not  with  your  concurrence).  If  you  permit  your  friends 
to  I'un  you  for  the  Presidency  of  the  Convention,  you  will 
do  what  your  rival  has  refused  to  do,  and  will  thus  present 

a  contrast  that  cannot  result  in  your  favor I  am 

anxious  to  save  you^  for  your  own  sake,  for  the  sake  of 
your  family,  and  particularly  for  the  sake  of  our  denom- 
inational interests — but  if  you  pui-sue  a  course  which  I 
conceive  cannot  fail  to  be  injurious  to  our  denomination — 
if  constrained  to  come  out  for  or  against  either,  you  know 
me  too  well  to  doubt  on  which  side  I  will  be  found 
standing. 

I  have  no  favor  to  ask  for  myself,  but  I  do  ask  for  the 
sake  of  the  cause  of  Christ,  that  you  abstain,  and  seek  to 
influence  your  friends  to  abstain,  from  any  unnecessary 
agitation  of  your  difficulties  with  the  college. 

My  disapprobation  of  your  acts  does  not  induce  any 
feelings  towards  you  personally  to  prevent  my  subscrib- 
ing myself  sincerely 

Your  friend  and  Brother  in  Christ, 

J.  S.  B." 

This  letter  was  treated  with  silence,  but  on 
the  back  of  it  is  the  following  in  Dr.  Mell's  hand- 
writing: "This  letter  is  ludicrously  transparent. 
The  author  has  never  found  reason  to  congratu- 
late himself  for  having  written  it." 

The  entire  case  was  thoroughly  discussed  be- 
fore the  Baptist  State  Convention  that  assembled 
at  Savannah  in  1856,  and  the  denomination,  in 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       97 

most  unmistakable  terms,  j)ronounced  its  dis- 
approval of  the  action  of  the  Board  of  Trustees 
of  Mercer  University.  As  already  indicated, 
Prof.  Mell  was  elected  President  of  the  Conven- 
tion at  the  next  session. 

In  the  meantime  Dr.  Crawford  had  given  up 
the  Presidency  of  Mercer  University  because  of 
his  inability  to  harmonize  the  internal  forces 
opposed  to  him.  The  Board  of  Trustees  were 
making  strenuous  efforts  to  create  a  sentiment 
among  the  Baptists  throughout  the  State  to  have 
him  recalled  at  the  coming  Convention  which 
would  assemble  at  Americus  in  1858.  Looking 
to  this  purpose,  Dr.  David  E.  Butler,  a  member 
of  this  Board,  wrote  Dr.  Mell  the  following 
letter  of  April  13th,  1858: 
"Dear  Brother  Mell: 

I  have  but  one  object  in  writing-  this 
letter,  that  is  to  do  right.  I  have  hoped  some  brother 
would  obtain  your  sentiments  from  whom  I  might  learn 
them;  but  knowing  of  none  such,  I  have  concluded  to  do 
so  for  myself.  I  address  you  frankly,  because  we  are 
brethren  and  if  we  confide  not  in  each  other  our  faith  is 
vain. 

You  are  aware  that  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Mercer 
University  are  looking  to  such  an  action  at  Americus  as 
may  call  Brother  Crawford  back  to  the  Presidency.  It 
is  believed  an  expression  of  opinion  by  the  brethren  gen- 
erally, who  may  be  there,  will  have  its  just  weight  with 
the  Board.  Among-  them  to  be  present  is  yourself,  and 
in  some  way  your  opinion  will  be  consulted. 

It  is  your  views  of  this  matter  I  now  seek.  Not  as  a 
member  of  the  Board  alone,  but  as  your  brother,  desiring 
to  know  the  right  and  then  pursue  it. 


98  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

If  you  can  co-operate  with  the  Board  many,  many, 
brethren  will  rejoice.  If  your  views  do  not  accord  with 
the  movement  many  will  deeply  regret  it. 

I  write  for  my  own  benefit  and  for  no  other  object  or 
purpose,  unless  you  allow  me  to  repeat  what  you  may  say. 
Very  truly  yours  in  Christian  bonds, 

D.  E.  Butler." 


To  this  the  following  reply  was  sent: 

"Athens,  Ga.,  April  16th,  1858. 
Dear  Brother  Butler: 

One  of  the  prominent  designs  of  my 
action  in  Augusta,  was  to  relieve  myself  and  the  Board  of 
Trustees  of  Mercer  University  from  mutual  complica- 
tions. Though  I  desire  the  j^rosperity  of  that  Institution, 
I  am  at  present,  with  reference  to  it,  entirely  an  outsider. 
That  position  in  the  present  state  of  things,  for  its  wel- 
fare and  my  comfort,  it  is  best  that  I  should  maintain. 

I  hope,  therefore,  you  will  acquiesce  in  the  propriety  of 
my  remaining  isolated  from  all  questions  pertaining  to 
Mercer  University. 

Yours  fraternally, 

P.  H.  Mell." 


The  papers  in  the  possession  of  the  writer 
relating  to  this  period  in  the  history  of  Mercer 
University  furnish  sufficient  excuse  for- Profes- 
sor Mell's  position  as  outlined  in  the  above  cor- 
respondence. The  Board  of  Trustees,  instigated 
by  Dr.  Crawford,  summarily  ejected  Professor 
Mell  from  office,  injuring  him,  for  a  time,  in 
reputation  and  pecuniary  interest.  This  he  pub- 
licly and  privately  declared  to  be  an  act  of  great 
injustice.     Up  to  the  meeting  of  the  State  Con- 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.       99 

vention  in  1858  no  attempt  had  been  made  by 
Dr.  Crawford  nor  by  the  Board  to  redress  his 
grievance.  On  the  contrary,  up  to  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Convention  at  Augusta  in  1857,  the 
latter  did  all  they  could  to  keep  him  apparently 
under  the  ban  of  the  Baptist  Denomination.  It 
is  true  a  reconciliation  took  place  in  Augusta. 
What  was  the  nature  of  it — and  how  did  it  leave 
the  parties  related  to  each  other? 

The  design  of  Professor  Mell's  whole  action 
in  Augusta,  (after  it  was  evident  that  his  repu- 
tation had  been  protected,)  was,  besides  healing 
the  breach  in  the  Baptist  Denomination,  to  dis- 
embarrass Mercer  University  in  the  then  existing, 
state  of  affairs,  from  any  apparent  antagonism 
with  him  and  with  those  who  sustained  him,  and 
to  extricate  himself  from  all  complication  with 
it  and  its  Board  of  Managers— that  they  in  their 
spheres  and  he  in  his  might  labor  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  cause  of  education,  and  for  the, 
harmony  of  the  Baptist  Zion  in  Georgia. 

In  the  public  reconciliation  there  was  no  con- 
cession made  on  either  side,  of  any  thing  but 
feeling — neither  party  acknowledged  to  any 
wrong.  Professor  Mell,  on  his  part  (impliedly) 
pledged  himself  to  cultivate  feelings  of  kindness 
towards  members  of  "the  Board  of  Trustees  and 
to  unite  with  them  in  the  burial  of  past  differ- 
ences. They,  on  their  part  (impliedly),  to  dis- 
continue any  line  of  policy  which  tended  to  bear 


100  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

invidiously  upon  him  and  his  friends  and  which 
was  calculated  to  produce  a  prolonged  alienation 
of  feeling:  and  both  parties  pledged  themselves 
to  unite  their  labors  for  the  harmony  of  the 
Baptist  denomination,  and  "so  far  as  may  be 
consistent  with  other  obligations,"  for  the  pros- 
perity of  Mercer  University.  But  it  seems  that 
the  Board  instead  of  trying  to  bury  past  differ- 
ences were  disposed  to  exhume  them  at  the  Con- 
vention at  Americus  and  to  bring  into  existence 
again  that  which  was  the  original  cause  of  all 
the  differences.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that 
neither  Dr.  Crawford  nor  the  Board  acknowl- 
edged that  they  had  treated  Mell  with  injustice. 
Until  they  did  this,  Mell  and  his  friends  would 
have  stultified  themselves  if  they  had  encouraged 
the  Board  to  pursue  a  line  of  policy  inaugurated 
hy  them  in  the  beginning,  and,  as  it  then  ap- 
peared, never  abandoned  by  them. 

But  it  may  be  said,  Mell  had  attained  to  high 
office  in  the  denomination,  and  he  and  his  friends 
should  have  been  willing  for  the  sake  of  har- 
mony, that  Dr.  Crawford^should  be  recalled  to 
:another  high  office.  To  this  it  is  answered  that 
if  Mell  did  attain  to  office  in  the  denomination, 
it  was  in  spite  of  the  combined  and  uncompro- 
mising opposition  of  all  the  friends  of  Dr.  Craw- 
ford. The  election  of  Mell  to  the  Presidency  of 
the  Convention  formed  no  part  of  the  conditions 
of  the  reconciliation  at  Augusta.     This  plea  for 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.    101 

an  equal  division  of  the  offices,  implies  that  all 
the  difficulty  originated  merely  in  the  desire  for 
the  acquisition  of  office.  Professor  Mell  always 
disclaimed  this,  and  if  he  and  his  friends,  merely 
because  he  had  been  elected  to  office,  had  turned 
round  and  supported  that  which  they  had  op- 
posed, they  would  have  confessed  in  effect  that 
Mell's  enemies  spoke  the  truth  when  they  said 
that  he  raised  all  the  excitement  merely  because 
he  failed  to  secure  high  office.  The  fact  that  he 
had  attained  to  the  office  he  held  in  spite  of  the 
combined  opposition  of  the  Board  of  Trustees 
and  other  friends  of  Dr.  Crawford,  joroved  only 
that  he  was  no  longer  apparently  under  the  ban 
of  the  Baptist  Denomination — not  that  his  griev- 
ances at  the  hands  of  the  Board  had  been  re- 
dressed, or  that  he  was  converted  to  that  policy 
which  was  the  cause  of  all  the  difficulty  in  the 
beginning.  In  speaking  of  this  occasion  at  the 
time  Professor  Mell  said  to  his  friends,  "If  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  on  their  own  responsibility, 
elect  Dr.  Crawford,  we  have  nothing  to  say;  but 
it  is  to  be  hoped  that  they  will  not,  by  causing 
this  subject  to  be  introduced  into  the  Conven- 
tion, seek  to  compel  us  to  vote  either  for  or 
against  their  proposition.  It  should  be  our  pol- 
icy, as  we  are  in  duty  bound,  to  seek  for  the 
harmony  of  the  denomination  by  refusing  to  vote 
either  w^ay.  The  charter  grants  to  the  Trustees 
the  right  to  officer  the  Institution — theirs  is  the 


102  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

duty  and  theirs  the  responsibility.  If  they  pro- 
ceed to  settle  open  questions  in  accordance  with 
the  spirit  of  the  reconciliation  at  Augusta,  they 
will  doubtless  secure  the  sympathy  and  support 
of  all  parties  in  the  denomination.  If,  however, 
they  violate  that  spirit,  in  any  way,  the  respons- 
ibility ought  to  rest  with  them.  Should  they, 
however,  seek  for  support  for  their  foregone 
conclusion,  by  causing  a  resolution  to  be  intro- 
duced into  the  Convention,  our  policy  should  be 
without  excitement,  to  move  a  substitute  denying 
jurisdiction  to  the  Convention; — if  this  be  voted 
down,  then  we  should  permit  them  to  carry  their 
point  tvith  profound  silence  on  our  part — we  not 
voting." 


HONORS.  103 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

HONORS. 

In  1856  he  was  appointed  to  the  Presidency  of 
Cherokee  College,  Georgia;  Principal  of  the 
Columbus,  Georgia,  Male  High  School;  Prin- 
cipal of  the  Baptist  Female  College  at  Talladega, 
Alabama;  Pastor  of  the  Talladega  Baptist 
church;  and  Professor  of  Ancient  Languages  in 
the  University  of  Georgia.  He  declined  all  of 
these  positions  except  the  last.  He  had  decided 
to  accept  the  Presidency  of  Cherokee  college 
until  it  was  shown  him  that  the  Institution  would 
be  a  rival  of  Mercer  University.  And  although 
he  felt  very  keenly  the  unjust  treatment  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  Mercer  University,  still  he 
knew  that  the  great  body  of  the  friends  of  the 
college  were  not  responsible  for  this  wrong,  and 
he  was,  therefore,  unwilling  to  lift  a  hand  against 
the  Institution  that  he  had  served  so  long  and 
faithfully  and  had  learned  to  love. 

Dr.  Mell's  great  desire  was  to  live  and  work 
in  Georgia,  his  native  State,  and  he,  therefore, 
refused  to  consider  all  invitations  that  would 
call  him  to  other  States.  He  thought  when  he 
was  dismissed  from  Mercer  University  that  it 


104  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

was  due  to  himself  to  remain  in  Georgia  and 
attain  a  greater  rank  than  the  one  of  which  he 
had  been  deprived.  Not  to  gratify  an  improper 
ambition,  but  because  he  felt  that  he  had  been 
greatly  wronged  and  misjudged,  and  he  was  not 
satisfied  until  he  was  reinstated  in  the  full  con- 
fidence and  esteem  of  the  people  of  the  Baptist 
Denomination. 

Dr.  Alonzo  Church,  President  of  Franklin 
College — afterwards  the  University  of  Georgia — 
wrote  on  November  22nd,  1856,  the  following 
letter  to  Prof.  Mell  requesting  permission  to 
present  his  name  before  the  Board  of  Trustees 
for  the  Chair  of  Ancient  Languages: 

"Dear  Sir: 

A  mutual  friend  of  yours  and  myself,  as  I 
understood  him  some  time  since,  intimated  to  me  that  he 
would  write  to  J"ou  upon  a  certain  subject  and  that  I  would 
probably  hear  from  him  or  yourself,  ere  this.  Not  hav- 
ing heard  from  either  I  am  apprehensive  that  he  may 
have  written  and  the  letter  miscarried.  The  subject  was 
the  Professor  of  Ancient  Languages  in  Franklin  College, 
and  whether  you  might  be  willing  to  accept  the  office  if 
offered  to  you  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  which  has  a 
meeting  on  the  10th  of  next  month?  I  suppose  you  were 
aware  of  the  state  of  things  here  during  the  past  year  or 
more?  I  think  a  large  majority  of  the  Board  are  con- 
vinced that  there  must  be  a  change  of  officers  to  a  con- 
siderable extent.  I  have  little  doubt  that  the  Professor 
of  Ancient  Languages  will  be  a  new  man.  I  think  I  know 
the  feeling  of  the  Board  on  that  subject.  My  impression 
is  also  that  you  could  be  elected  to  the  office  if  it  can  be 
certainly  known  that  you  will  accept.  As,  however,  you 
are  so  well  known  in  this  part  of  the  country,  and  to 


HONORS.  105 

members  of  the  Board,  I  do  not  suppose  it  would  be  nec- 
essary that  you  should  do  more  than  simply  authorize 
some  one  to  assure  the  Board  that  you  would  accept. 
With  an  enerjjetic  Faculty  I  have  no  doubt  all  things 
may  be  made  pleasant  in  a  short  time,  and  the  post  of  the 
Professor  an  eligible  one  to  a  man  pleased  with  such 

profession 

Yours  with  respect, 

A.  Church." 


Professor  Mell,  having  signified  his  consent  to 
the  use  of  his  name  before  the  Board  of  Trustees 
of  the  University  of  Georgia,  was  elected  on 
December  11th,  1856,  to  the  Professorship  of 
Ancient  Languages,  as  the  following  letter  from 
the  Secretary  indicates: 

"University  of  Georgia, 

Athens,  Ga.,  December  12,  1856. 
Rev.  p.  H,  Mell, 

Penfield,  Ga. 
Dear  Sir: 

On  yesterday  you  were  elected  Professor  of 
Ancient  Languages  in  this  Institution.     The  exercises  of 
the  college  will  be  resumed  on  the  15th  of  January  next. 
I  am  respectfully 

Your  obedient  servant, 

AsBURY  Hull, 

Secretary."' 

Professor  Mell  accepted  this  position  and  en- 
tered upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties  in  Jan- 
uary, 1857.  In  accepting  the  chair  he  stipulated 
that  its  duties  should  not  interfere  with  his 
relationship   to   the   churches   at  Antioch    and 


lOG  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Bairdstowii;  that  he  should  be  allowed  to  spend 
Sunday  and  Saturday  of  each  week  at  these 
churches,  and  this  arrangement  was  kept  in 
force  up  to  the  time  of  his  election  to  the  Chan- 
cellorship of  the  University  of  Georgia  in  1878. 

He  was  elected  President  of  the  Georgia  Bap- 
tist Convention  in  1857,  and,  with  the  exception 
of  the  period  when  he  was  confined  to  his  home 
by  a  serious  spell  of  sickness,  he  was  re-elected 
each  year  thereafter  up  to  the  time  of  his  death 
in  1888.  It  is  thus  seen  that  in  spite  of  the  un- 
just treatment  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Mer- 
cer University  he  was  being  honorably  vindicated 
by  the  people  of  Georgia.  And,  although  the 
unkind  feeling  on  the  part  of  some  members  of 
this  Board  followed  him  through  many  long 
years  thereafter,  he  steadily  strengthened  him- 
self in  the  confidence  of  the  people  of  Georgia 
until  he  occupied  the  most  honorable  place  in 
the  gift  of  the  State. 

In  1858  Furman  University  of  South  Carolina 
conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Divinity. 

In  1859  Dr.  Church  resigned  the  Presidency 
of  the  University  of  Georgia  and  also  the  Pro- 
fessorship of  Ethics  and  Metaphysics  and  the 
Institution  was  reorganized  at  the  meeting  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees  in  1860.  Dr.  A.  A.  Lips- 
comb was  elected  Chancellor  and  Dr.  P.  H.  Mell 
was  elected  to  the  chair  of  Ethics  and  Meta- 


HONORS.  107 

physics.     At  this  meeting  the  following  resolu- 
tion was  passed: 

"Resolved. -^That  the  office  of  Vice-Chancellor  be  es- 
tablished and  that  he  be  elected  from  one  of  the  Profes- 
sors best  suited  to  the  office;  and  that  by  way  of  compen- 
sation he  have  his  house  rent  free.  And  in  the  absence 
of  the  Chancellor  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  preside  at  all 
meetings  of  the  Faculty  and  administer  the  laws  and  dis- 
cipline of  the  college." 

On  the  same  day  that  this  resolution  was 
passed  Dr.  Mell  received  the  following  commu- 
nication from  the  Secretary  of  the  Board: 

"Rev.  p.  H.  Mell, 
Dear  Sir: 

Under  the  above  resolution  you  were 
unanimously  elected  to  the  office  of  Vice-Chancellor,  of 
which  you  will  consider  this  an  official  announcement. 
I  am  yours,  etc., 

AsBURY  Hull, 

Secretary." 

This  oface  Dr.  Mell  held  until  1872,  when  it 
was  abolished  under  the  reorganization  of  the 
University  at  the  time  the  Agricultural  and 
Mechanical  College  became  a  part  of  the  Uni- 
versity system. 


108  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

CONTROVERSIES. 

In  1859  and  1860  Dr.  Mell  issued  a  series  of 
articles  on  the  subject  of  "Corrective  Church 
Discipline"  that  aroused  serious  opposition  from 
a  number  of  writers.  About  this  time  the  Bap- 
tist Denomination  was  passing  through  a  critical 
period  when  a  split  in  the  ranks  seemed  imminent. 
The  newspapers  were  full  of  articles  on  church 
polity  and  two  opposing  sides  were  formed;  and 
bitterness  and  hard  feeling  were  rapidly  assum- 
ing prominent  places  in  the  argument.  This 
state  of  affairs  was  brought  about  by  the  action 
of  the  Nashville  church  in  withdrawing  fellow- 
ship from  Rev.  J.  R.  Graves  and  a  number  of 
others  for  conduct  tending  to  disrupt  the  church 
and  destroy  its  independence  and  usefulness. 
There  was  much  doubt  in  the  minds  of  many 
over  the  South  concerning  the  wisdom  of  this 
church  in  adopting  such  severe  measures.  Mr. 
Graves'  friends  were,  of  course,  arrayed  on  one 
side  and  a  number  of  writers  were  on  the  other. 
The  question  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  church 
was  sprung  in  the  Associations  and  also  in  the 
Southern    Baptist    Convention.     Dr.    R.    B.  C. 


CONTROVERSIES.  109 

Howell,  pastor  of  the  Nashville  church,  and  who 
had  been  for  a  term  of  years  President  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention,  was  antagonized 
by  Graves'  friends  at  the  session  in  1859  and  his 
re-election  contested  on  the  grounds  of  liis  un- 
baptistic  and  partisan  position  in  heading  the 
move  in  the  Nashville  affair.  He  was,  however, 
re-elected  by  a  large  majority,  but  resigned 
immediately  after  the  ballot  was  announced  so 
that  there  should  be  no  disturbing  elements  in 
the  deliberations  of  the  Convention.  Matters 
had  become  so  serious  because  of  the  agitation 
of  these  questions  relating  to  church  govern- 
ment, and  there  seemed  to  be  so  many  varied 
opinions  concerning  the  fundamental  doctrines 
of  church  polity  as  taught  by  the  fathers,  that  a 
number  of  leading  Baptists  urged  Dr.  Mell  to 
prepare  a  work  on  the  subject  that  would  give  a 
clear  conception  of  the  relationship  existing 
between  the  churches,  and  4he  status  of  the 
members  in  the  church.  "Corrective  Church 
Discipline"  was  written  in  response  to  this  I'e- 
quest.  It  was  first  published  in  the  shape  of  a 
series  of  articles  in  nearly  all  the  Baptist  papers 
in  the  South,  and  was  afterwards  republished  in 
book  form  by  the  Southern  Baptist  Publication 
Society,  and  passed  through  several  editions. 

Although  there  was  no  reference  in  this  work 
to  any  thing  of  a  personal  nature,  still,  coming 
as  it  did  so  soon  after  the  Nashville  trouble,  and 


110  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

touching,  as  it  necessarily  must,  on  all  questions 
bearing  on  that  affair,  Mr.  Graves  and  his  friends 
assumed  that  the  work  was  written  to  sustain 
this  church  at  Nashville,  and  they  soon  filled  the 
papers  with  severe  criticisms  antagonistic  to  Dr. 
Mell's  position,  and  they  secured  the  sympathy 
of  nearly  all  the  advocates  of  so-called  "Land- 
markism."  One  or  two  extracts  are  given  be- 
low, taken  from  the  papers  of  that  date  to  show 
how  bitter  was  some  of  this  criticism,  and  how 
the  work  of  "Corrective  Church  Discipline"  was 
misconstrued  and  misapplied. 

In  the  "Banner  and  Baptist"  of  May  3rd,  1860, 
appeared  the  following  signed  by  "Correspond- 
ent" : 

PROF.  MELL'S  DESIGN. 

It  has  occurred  to  one  of  your  correspondents,  Bro. 
Editor,  that  a  deep  design,  hidden  from  all  his  readers, 
or  nearly  all,  has  stimulated  Professor  Mell  to  set  before 
the  world  his  exti'aoi'dinary  views  of  "Corrective  Church 
Discipline." 

What  is  the  design?  It  seems  to  be  this,  in  part:  (one 
half  of  it  need  not  be  mentioned.)  To  produce  on  the 
minds  of  Southern  Baptists  a  profound  conviction  that 
Dr.  Howell  and  party  did  RIGHT  in  excluding  from  the 
Nashville  church,  J.  R.  Graves,  and  his  brethren.  No 
one  can  read  the  articles  of  the  Professor  without  seeing 
that  from  first  to  last  he  aims  a  covert  attack  upon 
Graves.  Now  if  he  had  come  out  and  said  what  was  his 
aim,  many  of  his  readers  would  more  have  appreciated 
his  opinions.  His  attack  seems  to  have  been  made  from 
an  ambush,  and  with  design. 

As  to  the  fallacies  of  his  doctrine.  Prof.  Worrell  is  re- 
vealing them  step  by  step.     But  unfortunately  the  review 


CONTROVERSIES.  Ill 

by  Worrell  began  rather  too  late.  It  is  devoutly  to  be 
wished  that  this  had  been  otherwise.  But  then  Bro.  Mell 
forestalled  him.  How?  By  requesting-  as  a  special  favor 
that  no  one  should  answer  him  till  he  was  done  I  When 
would  he  get  done?  Just  before  the  Georgia  Baptist  Con- 
vention should  meet!  and  consequently,  when  the  whole 
force  of  his  views,  without  one  pen-stroke  of  opposition, 
must  have  decided  all  his  readers  in  his  behalf. 

Well  enough  did  the  Professor  know  the  power  of  ex 
parte  testimony.  If  he  could  only  be  heard,  and  no  answer 
made,  then  the  Convention — all  Georgia  Baptists,  or  a 
majority  at  least — would  take  refuge  under  his  colors;  so 
that  should  anything  adverse,  in  any  way  relating  to  the 
"Nashville  difficulty"  occur.  Dr.  Mell,  at  the  head  of  a 
vast  majority,  could  triumphantly  sustain  Howell  and 
his  party. 

It  is  not  positively  asserted  that  the  above  view  is  cor- 
rect, but  to  the  writer  it  seems  so. 

Prof.  Mell  is  confessedly  one  of  Georgia's  greatest  men. 
He  has  written  much  that  will  live  long  after  he  is  in  the 
house  of  silence.  His  views  on  many  subjects  would  be 
acceptable  to  all  his  brethren.  But  when  he  takes  the 
ivrong  side,  in  a  matter  of  such  grave  importance,  and 
attempts  to  ruin,  or  rather,  to  seal  the  ruin  of  a  man  whom 
Southern  Baptists  believe  to  be  doing  more  for  the  cause 
of  truth  than  any  other  man  living,  we  can  but  tell  our 
brother  Mell  that  his  efforts  are  vain. 

Correspondent. 

An  Alabama  correspondent  wrote  as  follows 
in  the  "Landmark  Banner  &  Cherokee  Baptist," 
June  21st,  1860: 

AN  EASY  WAY  TO  DO  WHAT  CANNOT   OTHER- 
WISE BE  DONE. 

When  a  thing  needs  to  be  done,  and  there  is  but  one 
way  to  do  it,  and  that  way  is  to  let  it  alone;  of  course  it 
ought  to  be  let  alone.     This  is  easy. 


112  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Prof.  Mell  wrote  a  "'Corrective  Church  Discipline," 
which  was  published  by  all  the  papers  of  a  certain  type 
in  the  land,  aud  by  some  others,  too,  and  finally  by  the 
Southern  Baptist  Publication  Society.  This  newfangled 
discipline  has  been  sawed,  and  split,  skinned  and  dissected, 
and  "driv  up"  by  the  logic  and  analysis  of  Prof.  Worrell. 
"There  it  stands  all  naked  and  bare  with  its  deformity 
exposed  to  the  gaze  of  the  passer-by."  Cruel  fellow,  Wor- 
rell, you  are! 

But  will  not  Prof.  Mell  come  to  the  relief  of  his  discip- 
line'? Will  none  of  his  publishers  speak?  Why  certainly, 
we  intend  to  reply  to  this  young  reviser.  How?  Why 
we  are  just  going  to  reply  by  letting  him  alone.  We  are 
going  to  "ignore"  his  review,  and  by  this  trick  we  will 
try  to  make  the  people  believe  that  it  is  not  worthy  a 
notice.  What!  condescend  to  write  a  rejoinder  to  A.  S. 
Worrell?  No  ye  credulous  people  don't  you  believe  it, 
we  want  you  to  believe  us  when  we  tell  you  it  is  not  fit  to 
be  read  by  you. 

To  be  serious,  why  does  Prof.  Mell  (and  his  publishing 
papers,  most  of  them)  so  studiously  avoid  any  allusion  to 
Bro.  Worrell's  review?  I  see  in  a  late  number  of  the 
Banner,  a  notice  by  Prof.  Mell  of  what  Graves,  Pendleton 
and  Dayton,  have  written;  I  notice  once  in  a  while  other 
references  by  friends  of  Mell's  discipline  to  things  said  by 
winters  who  criticise  Mell's  views.  But  I  observe  nothing 
from  Mell  or  any  of  his  publishers  concerning  what  Wor- 
rell has  written.  Prof.  Mell  says  he  is  now  willing  for 
the  case  to  go  to  the  Jury,  (the  jury  are  deciding  against 
him  down  here)  therefore  I  suppose  he  does  not  expect  to 
say  moi'e.  Will  they  pretend  that  Worrell's  review  is 
not  worth  notice — that  it  would  be  a  condescension  to 
reply  to  him? 

Now  brethren,  you  can't  stave  Prof.  W's  review  off  this 
way!  It  has  made  its  mark,  and  I  doubt  not  you  have  all 
felt  it.  Is  Prof.  W.  too  young?  Is  his  review  too  weak? 
But  then  rernember  that  not  a  few  of  the  strongest  men  in 
the  denomination  have  pronounced  it  a  triumphant  expose 
of  the  fallacies  of  Mell.     The  people  have  eyes  as  well  as 


CONTROVERSIES.  113 

you.  They  can  see.  They  can  read— they,  however,  never 
would  see  but  one  side  of  the  matter,  were  it  left  to  those 
who  endorse  Mell's  disciijline.  Another  thought.  Prof. 
Mell  says  he  wrote  his  discipline  with  reference  to  no 
case,  etc.  I  wish  he  had  not  said  this.  I  have  heard  many 
others  say  that  they  wish  he  had  not  said  this.  We  know 
a  case  or  two  and  we  have  read  his  discipline.  And  we 
have  heard  something  of  the  exigencies  of  the  times. 

I  have  a  word  to  say  about  the  Southern  Bap.  Pub. 
Society.  Do  they  expect  coolly  to  thus  become  partisans 
—the  propagators  of  the  interests  of  a  party,  and  claim 
the  support  of  the  denomination?  I  recently  had  a  con- 
versation with  a  brother  who  has  given  that  society  seven 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  I  judge  he  will  never  give 
them  more.  He  regards  this  as  a  perversion — a  pros- 
titution of  his  money.  J.  J.  D   R 


Some  of  these  articles  were  full  of  personal- 
ities that  exhibited  deep  feeling,  verging  at  times 
almost  on  the  domain  of  hostility.  Through  all 
these  attacks  Dr.  Mell  preserved  an  unrufded 
temper,  and  throughout  the  entire  series  of 
articles  avoided  any  reference  to  the  unkind  at- 
tacks made  upon  him.  These  criticisms  follow- 
ing so  closely  also  on  the  trouble  with  the  author- 
ities of  Mercer  University,  some  of  his  opponents 
in  that  fight  arrayed  themselves  against  him  in 
this  contest.  In  most  instances  names  were 
signed  to  these  articles  but  in  some  cases  the 
attacks  were  made  over  anonymous  signatures. 
In  one  case  the  attack  was  so  stinging,  persist- 
ent and  unwarranted,  that  a  reply  was  deemed 
necessary. 


114  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

This  party  in  order  to  sustain  himself  in  the 
position  assumed  against  that  given  in  one  of  the 
articles  on  Corrective  Church  Discipline,  quoted 
passages  of  Scripture  in  a  manner  quite  reckless 
and  marvelous  to  behold.  He  Avould  take  a  cer- 
tain verse  or  sentence  from  the  Bible,  isolate  it 
from  its  connection,  join  it  to  another  verse  or 
sentence  from  some  other  part  of  the  Bible  iso- 
lated from  its  connection,  and  then  draw  his  in- 
ferences. He  seemed  to  be  one  of  those  men 
who  did  not  appreciate  the  force  of  an  argument 
when  it  was  given.  So  Dr.  Mell  concluded  to 
silence  him  with  his  own  ammunition;  and  he 
therefore  published  in  one  of  the  papers  the  fol- 
lowing reply. 

"I  see  that  my  brother  .  .  .  ;  has  attacked 
my  last  position  and  quoted  certain  Scripture  to 
sustain  his  point.  Now  by  my  dear  brother's 
course  of  reasoning  I  can  prove  anything  from 
the  Bible.  I  can  prove  that  the  brother  ought 
to  go  and  hang  himself.  Does  not  the  Bible  say 
'Judas  Iscariot  went  and  hanged  himself  ? 
(Matthew  27:5.)  and  does  it  not  also  say:  'Go, 
and  do  thou  likewise"  ?  (Luke  10:37).  'That  thou 
doest,  do  quickly'?  (John  13:27.)  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  following  short  note  nothing  more 
was  heard  from  that  brother. 

"I  am  ever  willing  to  discuss  principles  with 
Christian  courtesy,  but  since  brother  Mell  is  at 
his  old  game  of  dodgiyig — at  which  he  excels — I 


CONTROVERSIES.  115 

need  not  pursue  the  subject  further,  as  I  have 
shown  where  he  is.  He  also  excels  in  drawing 
analogies:  'Judas  went  out  and  hanged  Jiimself.'' 
By  the  way,  if  my  good  brother  Mell  thinks 
that  the  public  cannot  see  that  he  is  dodging, 
he  greatly  mistakes  the  public." 

Some  leading  Baptists  did  not  agree  in  all  re- 
spects with  the  principles  enunciated  in  these 
articles  on  church  government,  and  were  candid 
enough  to  j^ublish  their  views  on  the  subject, 
but  their  arguments  were  free  from  all  person- 
alities and  were  dignified  and  courteous. 

When  a  number  of  the  articles  from  Dr.  Mell's 
pen  had  made  their  appearance  in  the  papers. 
Prof.  A.  S.  Worrell  of  Talladega,  Alabama, 
began  to  write  a  "Review  of  Corrective  Church 
Discipline"  which  was  published  in  the"  "Tennes- 
see Baptist,"  "Landmark  Banner,"  and  some 
other  papers.  This  "Review"  was  intended  to 
be  a  conclusive  answ^er  to  all  the  points  eluci- 
dated by  Dr.  Mell.  A  demand  was  made  on  the 
part  of  Prof.  Worrell  and  his  friends  that  this 
"Review"  be  published  under  the  same  cover 
with '  'Corrective  Church  Discipline. "  (The  article 
already  given,  signed  by  "J.  J.  D.  R.,"  is  a  spec- 
imen of  these  demands.)  The  Board  of  Managers 
of  the  Southern  Publication  Society,  howevei', 
refused  to  comply  with  this  request. 

Rev.  B.  F.  Tharpe  of  Georgia  became  quite 
indignant  at  this  refusal  on  the  part  of  the  Pub- 


116  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

lication  Society  and  published  ttie  following 
article.  This  production  from  Mr.  Tharpe  will 
indicate  how  high  the  excitement  ran  in  those 
days  when  leading  men  of  the  denomination  all 
over  the  South  arrayed  themselves  under  the 
names  of  "Graves'  Men"  and  "Anti-Graves' 
men." 

"If  a  plain  sense  of  justice  would  not  compel  the  breth- 
ren at  Charleston  to  publish  both  sides  of  a  matter  involv- 
ing so  much  consequence,  the  errors  in  the  first  work"' 
(Corrective  Church  Discii^line)  "presented  should  not  have 
escaped  their  notice,  but  should  have  met  their  prompt 
condemnation.  They  greatly  mistake  the  Baptists  if  they 
suppose  that,  after  this  temporary  excitement  passes 
away,  they  will  receive  such  works  as  standai-d.  Such 
works  will  die  with  the  excitement  which  produced  them. 
But  there  is  another  thing  which  will  not  die  in  the 
memory  of  those  who  should  have  been  the  friends  of  the 
Society.  They  will  ever  remember  that  a  society  which 
should  have  promoted  the  interests  of  truth  has  been 
prostituted  to  partisan,  if  not  to  personal  ends  ....  I 
ask  you,  what  can  men,  holding  to  my  views,  do  as  to  the 
rottenness  of  all  taught  by  the  work  in  question  which 
■could  have  called  it  forth,  do  relative  to  this  Society?  .  .  . 
For  my  own  part,  I  am  disappointed,  mortified  at  the  part 
which  the  brethren  in  Charleston  have  thought  proper  to 
pursue.  And  I  am  sorry  that  I  have  even  one  dollar  in 
the  Society  which  is  perverted  to  partisan  ends,  and  is 
daily  used  in  i-eproducing  and  circulating  error,  both 
radical  and  subversive  of  the  great  interests  of  the 
chui'ch." 

As  a  matter  of  interest  in  this  connection,  and 
probably  explaining  in  some  degree  the  animus 
of  the  above  production,  I  will  state  that  Mr. 


CONTROVERSIES.  117 

B.  F.  Tharpe  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  of  Mercer  University,  and  was  present 
at  the  meeting  in  1855  when  Professor  Mell's 
connection  with  the  University  was  severed. 
Mr.  Tharj)e  voted  in  the  affirmative.  The  pub- 
lication of  Professor  Mell's  "An  Exposition  of 
Recent  Events,"  that  fully  exposed  the  ex  parte 
action  of  this  Board,  and  the  after  development 
of  the  case  before  the  Baptist  State  Convention, 
were  not  conducive  to  cordiality  from  most  of 
the  members  of  this  Board;  and  throughout  the 
remaining  lives  of  the  movers  of  this  great  in- 
justice at  Penfield  there  continued  a  feeling  of 
unfriendliness  towards  Professor  Mell.  Mr. 
Tharpe  was  not  an  exception  to  the  rule. 

In  reply  to  the  strictures  of  Mr.  Tharpe,  as 
above  quoted,  the  Southern  Baptist  Publication 
Society  responded: 

''The  Committee  on  Publication  witli  one  accord  say  .  . 
that  they  accepted  Professor  Mell's  work  because  they 
thought  it  an  able  treatise,  and  in  the  main  correct,  and 
declined  Professor  Worrell's  because  they  considered  it 
unworthy  of  publication,  and  that  their  decisions  were 
wholly  uninfluenced  by  partisan  feeling  ....  The  truth 
is,  if  Professor  Mell  has  ever  written  or  spoken  one  word 
in  i-elation  to  the  Nashville  affairs,  we  have  not  seen  or 
heard  of  it  ...  .  There  is  then  nothing,  either  in  the 
book  or  in  his  course  before  or  since  writing  it,  to  sup- 
port the  charge  that  it  was  written  for  a  partisan  pur- 
pose." (See  Southern  Baptist  published  at  Charleston  on 
October  6th.  1860.) 


118  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

In  the  Christian  Index  of  October  17th,  1860, 
appeared  the  following,  written,  no  doubt,  by 
some  member  of  the  publication  committee  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Publication  Society,  although 
not  signed  by  the  writer's  name. 

"Brother  Tharp  is  amazed  that  the  Board  ever  con- 
sented to  publish  Professor  Mell's  treatise — that  they  did 
not  detect  the  "rottenness"  of  its  teachings — and  that 
they  should  have  ventured  to  send  it  forth  vs^ith  their  ap- 
probation and  endorsement.  I  am  not  going  to  discuss 
the  ripeness  or  "rottenness"  of  this  book.  I  only  wish  to 
say  here,  in  response,  that  the  Society  does  not  pretend 
to  endorse  all  the  minute  views  of  the  works  which  it 
issues,  and  which,  upon  the  whole,  it  may  regard  as  safe 
and  useful  for  the  denomination.  Very  likely  there  may 
be  opinions  enunciated  in  Dr.  Dagg's  Theology  and  in  Dr. 
Mallary's  books,  which  would  not  accord  with  the  views 

of  the  publication  committee The  truth  about 

"Cori'ective  Church  Discipline"  is,  I  suppose,  something 
like  this:  Professor  Mell  is  an  author  of  established  rep- 
utation, and,  until  recently,  of  unassailed  orthodoxy. 
Our  Society  had  published  several  of  his  books,  and  was 
always  glad  to  obtain  a  work  from  his  pen.  It  was  sure 
to  be  well  I'eceived  in  the  powerful  State  of  Georgia,  and 
not  to  be  suspected  of  "I'ottenness."  This  last  work  of 
his  was  offered  us  for  publication.  Its  publication  was 
earnestly  called  for  by  warm  and  judicious  friends  of  the 
Society.  Perhaj)s  not  a  very  severe  inquisition  was  given 
to  it  by  the  committee.  It  was  promptly  accepted,  and  I 
have  yet  to  discover  any  just  grounds  of  complaint  against 
this  action." 

Dr.  Mell  in  reply  to  all  these  criticisms  said: 

"If  my  little  book  on  Discipline  is  properly  written, 
it  is  applicable  in  principle  to  any  case  that  has  occurred 
in  the  past,  or  that  may  happen  in  the  future." 


CONTROVERSIES.  119 

He  was  open  to  conviction  and  was  ever  ready 
to  acknowledge  his  error  when  properly  brought 
before  him  and  proven.  The  following  extracts 
from  an  article  written  for  the  Christian  Index 
in  the  issue  for  September  the  6th,  1860,  prove 
this  position  and  at  the  same  time  show  how  firm 
he  was  in  maintaining  what  he  considered  to  be 
truth  and  principle.  As  will  be  noticed  in  the 
comments  of  the  editor,  this  article  was  an  intro- 
duction to  a  series  called  forth  by  criticisms 
made  by  Dr.  J.  S.  Baker  on  "Corrective  Church 
Discipline." 

AMICABLE  DISCUSSION. 

Below  we  present  a  letter  just  received  from  Dr.  Mell. 
From  it  our  readers  will  perceive  that  Brother  Mell  is 
willing  to  discuss  in  the  Index,  the  sentiments  advanced 
in  his  Church  Discipline :  and  as  he  and  Dr.  Baker  dis- 
agree, we  must  look  for  able  and  absorbingly  interesting 
presentation  and  support  of  opposite  views. — While  it  is 
really  to  be  hoped  that,  as  Brofher  Mell  says,  their  dif- 
ferences will  be  narrowed  down,  on  a  plain  exhibition  of 
them,  yet,  as  Brother  Baker  absolutely  dissents  from 
what  Brother  Mell  sees  no  reason  to  "modify  in  the 
slightest  degree,"  we  are  warranted  in  looking  for  an  ex- 
citing and  edifying  crossing  of  lances 

[For  the  Christian  Index.] 
I  am  gratified  to  see  in  the  Index  of  the  29th  ult.,  the 
promise  of  Brother  Baker  to  give  in  a  series  of  articles, 
the  points  of  difference,  in  part,  between  himself  and  me 
on  the  subject  of  Church  Discipline.  From  Brother  B.'s 
character  and  professions  the  public  are  prepared  to 
expect  nothing  but  candor.  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  know 
that  the  opportunity  will  be  afforded  me — should  I  wish 


120  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

to  avail  myself  of  it — to  discuss  the  sentiments  of  my  book 
with  one  whose  antecedents  qualify  him  to  view  the  sub- 
jects in  a  light  not  partisan,  and  who  is  competent  not 
only  to  furnish  but  to  appreciate  an  argument. 

While  Brother  Baker  considers  my  position,  "in  the 
main,  correct,"  he  thinks  I  have  "fallen  into  a  few  radical 
errors." — These,  on  the  principles  6f  fairness  and  courtesy 
laid  down  in  his  preliminary  article,  I  hope  he  will  faith- 
fully point  out,  and  unsparingly  expose.  And  he  need 
not  be  afraid  of  touching  my  sensibilities  by  such  expos- 
ure. If  truth  be  all  that  I  am  seeking,  whatever  of  mor- 
tification I  may  feel  at  the  necessity  of  abandoning  a 
position  because  it  is  proved  to  be  wrong,  will  be  more 
than  compensated  by  the  joy  I  shall  experience  when  I 
attain,  in  whatever  way,  to  that  which  is  right. 

Thus  far,  I  have  seen  nothing  which  causes  me  to 
modify  my  views  in  the  slightest  degree.  After  all  that 
has  been  written  against  my  little  book,  if  I  had  to  furnish 
it  for  the  press  anew,  I  would  not  cross  a  t  nor  dot  an  i. 
But  brethren  as  candid  and  as  competent  as  I,  differ  from 
me  on  one  or  two  points.  Candid  and  courteous  discus- 
sion is  the  way  alone,  then,  in  which  we  can  be  brought 
to  agree. 

From  what  Brother  B.  has  already  published  on  the 
subject,  I  am  inclined  to  think,  that,  on  compai'ison  of 
notes,  the  public  will  find  there  is  but  little  that  divides 
us.  One  point  of  difference  he  has  indicated  in  his  pre- 
liminary article.  By  his  unqualified  endorsement  of 
Bi'other  Shaver's  arguments,  I  understand  that  he  joins 
issue  with  me  when  I  say  that  excluded  members  must  be 
restored,. if  at  all,  by  the  church  excluding.  This  ques- 
tion ought  to  be  discussed  with  calmness.  There  is  no 
reason  why  "Nashville  parties"  or  partisans,  on  the  one 
side  or  the  other,  should  feel  any  special  interest  in  it. 
The  denomination  may  decide  for  or  against  the  views  I 
present,  and  neither  of  those  parties  will  be  benefited  or 
injured.  Mr.  Graves  and  his  associates  have  not  been 
received  into  the  membership  of  another  church,  but 
claim  that  they  have  never  been  excluded,  and  that  they 


CONTROVERSIES.  121 

constitute  the  original  "First  Church  at  Nashville."  I 
am  happy  to  know,  then,  that  in  discussing  this  question 
we  find  it  unembarrassed  by  any  complication  with  exist- 
ing cases  of  discipline  in  this  latitude. 

Brother  Baker  will,  of  course,  endeavor  to  show  the 
fallacy  of  the  argument  I  have  already  given,  and,  if 
I  see  occasion  to  reply,  he  can  rejoin,  and,  if  he  introduces 
no  new  matter,  the  discussion  can  close  with  his  rejoinder. 

P.  H.  Mell. 

Dr.  Mell  was  a  staunch  defender  of  Baptist 
principles,  as  he  understood  them,  and  all 
through  his  life  he  never  let  an  opportunity- 
pass  to  speak  for  truth  against  error.  But  in 
every  instance  he  was  courteous  and  gentle,  yet 
firm  and  unswerving  in  maintaining  the  truth. 
Although  his  keen  sense  of  the  ludicrous  was 
often  given  an  opportunity  for  exercise,  and  his 
ability  to  wield  the  weapon  of  sarcasm  was  pow- 
erful and  effective,  still  it  was  seldom  the  case 
that  he  permitted  his  pen  to  take  such  advantage 
of  his  opponent.  His  language,  when  dealing 
with  theological  questions,  was  always  free  from 
personalities,  and  whenever  it  became  necessary 
to  mention  any  one's  name  in  the  course  of  the 
discussion,  it  was  invariably  done  in  a  way  so  as 
not  to  give  offense  nor  wound  the  most  delicate 
sensibilities.  His  mind  took  such  vigorous  hold 
of  a  subject,  and  his  deductions  and  conclusion.^ 
were  always  so  clear  and  logical,  that  he  was 
constantly  called  upon  to  answer  questions  on 
church  government  and  Baptist  usage,  from  all 


122  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

portions  of  the  country.  Sometimes  his  answers 
were  gratifying  to  the  questioners,  but  as  often 
the  replies  carried  with  tliem  conclusions  that 
knocked  the  foundations  from  under  the  conti- 
dent  seeker  after  truth.  The  following  letter  is 
furnished  to  illustrate  this  attribute  of  fearless- 
ness in  his  character  to  write  the  truth,  let  the 
consequences  be  what  they  may.  It  will  be  also 
noticed  how  polite  and  considerate  he  was  even 
while  giving  adverse  criticism. 

'•Athens,  Ga.,  Dec.  22d,  1880. 
Louis  H.  Everts,  Esq., 

Publisher,  , 

Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  have  examined  with  some  care  Part  I.  of 
"The  Baptist  Encyclopaedia,"  which  you  were  kind 
enougih  to  send  me.  A  work  of  this  kind  judiciously  ex- 
ecuted is  a  desideratum;  and  I  stand  ready  to  give  all  the 
aid  in  my  power  to  making  it  a  complete  success.  True, 
there  are  special  difficulties  in  the  way  of  its  satisfactory 
execution;  and  one  would  hazard  something  to  endorse  it 
unreservedly  before  examining  critically  every  article  in 
the  completed  work.  The  Baptists,  with  great  unanim- 
ity, hold  to  the  essential  articles  of  their  faith  and  jjrac- 
tice;  but  there  are  a  few  deductions  drawn  from  their 
pi'inciples  which  are  warmly  advocated  by  some  and  as 
warmly  opposed  by  others,  and  there  are  also  some  exotic 
usages  which  a  few  eccentric  people  endeavor  to  engraft 
upon  our  practice  against  which  the  great  body  of  our 
people  protest.  Now  how  can  I  know  in  advance  that  the 
Encyclopaedia  will  be  free  from  these  disputed  and  ec- 
centric things?  Unfortunately  Part  T.  furnishes  a  forcible 
example  to  illustrate  my  meaning.  1  cannot  endorse  the 
article:  "Admission  of  Members  into  the  Church;"  for 


CONTROVERSIES.  123 

1st — I  am  glad  to  say,  J  never  heard  before  of  such  im- 
possible usage  in  our  churches  as  that  given — viz:  that 
the  pastor  formally  '"instructs"  an  applicant  for  baptism 
and  church-membership  ''in  the  great  doctrines  of  the 
Trinity,  election,  the  offices  of  the  Three  Sacred  Per- 
sons, depravity,  regeneration,  atonement,  justification, 
providence,  final  perseverance  and  believing  prayer"  ! ! ! 
What  hope  is  there  here  for  the  young  or  the  uneducated 
believer  in  Jesus'?  Those  who  enter  Baptist  churches  are 
not  admitted  as  doctrinal  proficients,  but  as  learners  in 
the  school  of  Christ;  and  the  only  ground  of  their  bap- 
tism and  subsequent  admission  is  the  evidence  they  give 
that  they  have  experienced  "repentance  towards  God  and 
faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

2nd — 1  could  not  endorse  it,  again,  because  of  the  state- 
ment in  the  last  sentence,  unnecessarily  made,  and  with- 
out words  of  disapprobation — viz:  "In  a  few  churches, 
the  pastor,  just  before  giving  the  hand  of  fellowship, 
places  his  hands  upon  the  candidate's  head,  and  tenderly 
prays  for  him"  !  !  This  is  ritualism,  not  Baptist  usage; 
and  the  act  itself  is  a  kind  of  bastard  ''confirmation." 
A  work  of  this  kind,  coming  out  under  such  auspices  and, 
in  the  main,  so  nobly  executed,  will  be  authority  of  the 
highest  kind.  Whatever  it  gives,  without  dissent,  as 
Baptist  usage,  will  be  considered  as  legitimate  and  un- 
objectionable. Excuse  me  for  saying,  the  sentence  of 
this  article,  quoted  above,  tends  to  inci'ease  the  number 
of  these  "few  churches"  and  pastors,  who  are  not  Baptists 
in  fact,  and  who  ought  to  be  encouraged  to  leave  us  as 
speedily  as  possible,  and  go  to  those  to  whom  they  belong. 

I  am  not  asked  to  give  advice.  If  I  had  been,  my  rec- 
ommendation in  this  connection  would  have  been  as  fol- 
lows: Make  no  reference  to  disputed  and  eccentric  things. 
If  though,  for  any  reason,  you  feel  under  obligations  to 
include  them,  assign  them  to  a  place  by  themselves,  in  an 
avowedly  unendorsed  Appendix,  as  to  a  denominational 
pest  house,  or  Botany  Bay. 

There  is  one  other  blemish,  of  slight  importance  though, 
and  not  calculated  to  mislead  anybody,  but  objectionable 


124  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

because  offensive  to  large  numbers,  and  even  to  some  of 
your  co-laborers.  Whenever  in  the  work  reference  is 
made  to  the  unfortunate  conflict  between  the  sections,  in 
admirable  taste,  it  speaks  of  it  as  "the  war"  or  "the  late 
war,"  etc.  In  giving  the  interesting  sketch  of  Dr.  M.  B. 
Anderson,  though,  it  violates  this  good  taste  by  using  the 
phraseology  of  a  party  politician  and  calling  it  "the  war 
of  the  Rebellion."  Now  I  honor  Dr.  Anderson  for  brave- 
ly and  nobly  sustaining  his  convictions  of  right  and  duty, 
and  I  thank  the  writer  of  the  sketch  for  emphasizing  his 
course  in  this  connection.  But  he  imposes  a  hardship 
and  an  impossibility  upon  all  like  me,  when  he  expects  us 
to  endorse,  or  even  to  receive  without  protest,  a  work 
that  unnecessarily  insults  us. 

Now,  in  frankly  writing  as  I  have,  I  am  afraid  I  have 
given  offense.  My  intentions  though  are  of  a  contrary 
character.  I  am  trying  to  aid.  I  learned  with  great 
satisfaction  in  the  beginning  that  the  work  was  to  bo 
undertaken.  Dr.  Cathcart  did  me  the  honor  to  solicit 
my  services,  as  his  co-laborer  for  Georgia;  and  it  was  on 
my  recommendation  that  Rev.  S.  Boykin  consented  to 
give  his  valuable  services  in  that  connection.  No  one 
will  rejoice  more  than  I  at  the  satisfactory  and  successful 
completion  of  the  great  work 

Wishing  Dr.  Cathcart  eminent  success  in  his  great  en- 
terprise, I  subscribe  myself 

Yours  very  respectfully. 

P.  H.  Mell." 


AMUSING  INCIDENTS.  125 


CHAPTER  X. 

AMUSING    INCIDENTS. 

There  was  a  humorous  side  to  Dr.  Mell's 
character  that  came  to  the  surface  at  times  to 
the  great  amusement  and  entertainment  of  his 
friends.  Meeting  with  people  in  all  walks  of 
life  many  opportunities  were  presented  for  the 
display  of  this  trait,  and  his  keen  sense  of  the 
ludicrous  was  often  aroused  by  the  striking  odd- 
ities and  peculiarities  of  human  nature.  He  was 
as  ready  to  laugh  at  a  good  joke  on  himself  as  at 
the  expense  of  another.  However,  he  never 
permitted  this  propensity  to  carry  him  to  ex- 
tremes. He  knew  when  to  laugh  at  his  friend 
so  as  not  to  give  offense  and  when  to  suppress 
his  risibles.  Nevertheless  he  never  forgot  a 
good  joke,  and  could  tell  an  anecdote  with  great 
relish. 

Play  upon  words  was  a  great  power  with  him 
also,  and  some  of  his  puns  were  greatly  appre- 
ciated by  his  friends  and   acquaintances.*     In 


*A  friend  writing  of  him  in  the  "Religious  Herald"  says:  "He  is 
regarded  as  the  prince  of  good  fellows,  making  the  youngest  and 
humblest  of  his  brethren  feel  perfectly  at  home  in  his  company, 
and  is  ihe  very  life  of  our  ministerial  gatherings  at  associations. 
His  fondness  of  interesting  and  laughable  anecdotes  exceeds  that 
of  any  ministers  I  have  ever  known,  and  his  manner  of  relating 
them  is  inimitable." 


126  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

illustration  of  this  side  of  his  character  the  fol- 
lowing few  incidents  are  given  among  many 
that  might  be  related. 

It  was  the  custom  with  Professor  Mell  to  take 
summer  trips  with  some  members  of  the  college 
classes  under  his  charge  to  points  of  interest  in 
northern  Georgia,  and  some  times  with  friends 
to  the  sea  coast  to  spend  several  weeks  in  fish- 
ing. On  a  trip  of  this  character  through  the 
wire  grass  regions  of  Georgia  and  in  company 
with  a  friend,  he  stopped  one  evening  at  a  small 
cabin  to  seek  shelter  for  the  night.  The  woman 
who  met  them  at  the  door  refused  for  a  time  to 
take  them  in  on  the  plea  that  her  husband  was 
absent  and  she  was  unwilling  to  take  in  stran- 
gers. But  she  was  assured  that  they  would  be 
content  to  take  the  fare  she  was  able  to  give 
them,  without  putting  her  to  extra  trouble,  pro- 
vided they  could  find  shelter  for  themselves  and 
horses.  There  w^as  only  one  room  to  the  house, 
and  the  woman  was  compelled,  therefore,  to 
stretch  a  sheet  across  a  corner  of  the  room  be- 
hind which  she  put  down  a  pallet  for  the  men. 
In  the  preparation  of  the  supper  she  used  but 
one  cooking  utensil,  and  that  a  frying-pan,  for 
cooking  the  meat,  then  the  bread  and  afterwards 
the  coffee.  When  they  had  eaten  their  supper 
and  the  gentlemen  had  smoked  their  pipes,  the 
woman  warmed  some  water  in  the  frying-pan 
and  asked  the  travelers  if  they  wished  to  wash 


AMUSING  INCIDENTS.  127 

their  feet  before  retiring;  but  they  declining  she 
remarked  that  she  could  not  rest  well  without 
bathing  her  feet,  and  began  immediately  to  wash 
them  in  the  pan  to  the  great  horror  and  disgust 
of  the  gentlemen.  This  revelation  was  quite 
unpleasant  to  them  and  next  morning  they 
breakfasted  only  on  roasted  potatoes  and  water. 

At  one  time  Professor  Mell  formed  a  jiarty 
consisting  of  his  family,  several  ladies  and  gen- 
tlemen friends  and  took  a  trip  to  the  mountains 
of  North  Georgia  by  private  conveyance.  On 
the  way  up  they  passed  through  a  fashionable 
watering  place.  The  ladies  of  the  party  insisted 
upon  having  the  curtains  of  the  wagon  pulled 
down  so  that  they  would  not  be  seen  in  their 
dust- stained  apparel  by  the  people  of  the  vil- 
lage. 

Professor  Mell  was  walking  by  the  side  of 
the  wagons  as  they  drove  along  the  main  street 
in  front  of  the  hotel,  and  some  well  dressed 
young  men  standing  on  the  porch,  seeing  the 
cavalcade,  decided  to  have  some  fun  out  of  the 
green  countryman,  as  they  were  pleased  to  call 
Professor  Mell.  They  walked  up  to  him  in  a 
swaggering  manner,  and  one  among  their  num- 
ber called  out  so  that  everybody  could  distinctly 
hear:  "Look  here,  old  fellow,  what's  this  you've 
got  in  these  wagons,  whiskey?  "  "No,  sir,"  said 
Professor  Mell,  assuming  as  far  as  possible  the 
role  of  a  countryman,  because  he  had  overheard 


128  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

the  remark  made  by  the  young  men  on  the  hotel 
porch,  "It  is  live  stock."  "Is  it  for  sale?"  re- 
sponded the  young  man.  "Yes,  sir,  if  you  will 
pay  me  my  price  for  it."  "Let  me  see  it,"  said 
the  young  fellow,  and  going  to  the  nearest 
wagon,  he  lifted  the  curtain  and  thrust  liis  head 
in  among  the  ladies,  who  were  blissfully  ignor- 
ant of  what  was  going  on  outside.  As  the  cur- 
tain was  raised  and  the  strange  face  appeared,  a 
chorus  of  shrieks  greeted  the  inquisitive  young 
man  and  he  jumped  back  as  if  he  had  been  shot, 
with  amazement  and  consternation  depicted  on 
countenance  and  attitude.  A  burst  of  laughter 
pealed  forth  from  the  porch  as  the  full  situation 
dawned  upon  the  crowd  assembled  there.  The 
young  men  walked  off  crestfallen.  Professor 
Mell  called  after  them :  '  'Wont  you  buy  some  of 
my  live  stock,  gentlemen  ?  "  The  tables  were  so 
well  turned  on  the  young  men  that  they  became 
satisfied  the  "old  fellow"  was  not  so  green  as 
he  pretended  to  be;  so  they  interviewed  one  of 
the  drivers  who  was  feeding  his  horses  while 
the  party  were  eating  their  dinners  and  he  in- 
formed them  that  the  apparent  countryman  was 
Prof.  P.  H.  Mell,  of  Mercer  University.  They 
were  so  much  ashamed  of  their  conduct  to  one 
so  well  known  and  respected  as  Professor  Mell 
that  they  sought  him  out  and  apologized  for 
what  they  had  done.  He  laughed  at  them 
heartily  and  forgave  them.     Professor  Mell  was 


AMUSING  INCIDENTS.  129 

full  of  humor  and  enjoyed  a  joke  to  the  fullest 
extent,  yet  at  the  same  time  he  knew  when  to 
stop  so  as  not  to  hurt  the  sensitive  feelings  of 
any  one.  Throughout  his  life  he  was  kind  and 
considerate  to  all.  He  had  the  faculty  of  placing 
himself  in  perfect  sympathy  with  the  company 
around  him  provided  their  views  did  not  conflict 
with  his  opinions  of  what  was  right  and  proper. 
Young  men,  therefore,  became  very  much  at- 
tached to  him  and  often  came  to  him  for  advice. 
His  house  was  frequently  visited  by  people  from 
the  more  humble  walks  of  life  who  were  made  to 
feel  at  perfect  ease  in  his  presence  because  he 
adapted  himself  to  their  circumstances  and  un- 
derstanding. Some  of  his  warmest  friends  were 
men  who  were  ill  at  ease  in  what  is  commonly 
called  fashionable  circles.  At  the  same  time  his 
dignified  bearing,  great  learning,  affability  and 
genial  character  made  him  scores  of  strong 
friends  among  the  great  men  of  the  South.  The 
following  may  be  given  as  an  interesting  illus- 
tration of  his  ability  to  adapt  himself  to  his  com- 
pany. 

One  of  the  most  successful  pastoral  visits  he 
ever  made  was  during  a  rabbit  hunt.  Some 
little  distance  from  a  church  at  which  he  was 
preaching  there  was  a  community  in  which  the 
young  people  refused  to  attend  religious  serv- 
ices. There  were  grown  persons  who  had  never 
been  inside  of  a  church.     One  of  Mr.  Mell's  dea- 


.  130  LIFE  OP  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

cons  lived  just  on  the  edge  of  this  community, 
and  he  was  requested  to  organize  a  rabbit  hunt 
and  get  all  the  young  men  of  the  settlement  to 
join  it,  and  to  have  a  gun  ready  for  his  pastor, 
but  not  to  let  any  one  know  that  he  was  coming 
so  as  to  make  it  appear  that  his  arrival  was  ac- 
cidental. The  deacon  demurred  to  this  plan  at 
first  but  when  Mr.  Mell  informed  him  what  he 
intended  to  do  the  deacon  entered  heartily  into 
his  plans.  The  hunt  was  organized  and  proved 
to  be  a  great  success.  Mr.  Mell  came  on  at  the 
proper  time  and  a  little  persuasion  was  used  be- 
fore he  consented  to  go  with  the  party.  He 
became  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  young 
men,  and  his  success  in  shooting  rabbits  was  so 
fine,  because  he  was  a  good  marksman,  that  the 
boys  admired  him  and  soon  became  quite  inti- 
mate with  him.  He  made  himself  thoroughly 
agreeable  and  pleasant  to  them  all.  There  was 
not  a  word  said,  however,  concerning  religion. 
Every  body  returned  from  the  hunt  delighted, 
and  on  the  following  Sabbath  a  number  of  these 
people,  for  the  first  time,  came  to  hear  Mr.  Mell 
preach.  They  came  regularly  after  that  and 
before  the  year  was  out  more  than  two-thirds  of 
the  young  people  of  this  settlement  had  been 
baptized. 

He  was  present  once  at  a  Justice  Court,  and 
while  waiting  for  the  appearance  of  the  Justice 
he  was  standing  under  the  shade  of  a  tree  near 


AMUSING  INCIDENTS.  131 

where  a  group  of  men  were  drinking  from  a  jug 
of  whiskey.  They  asked  him  to  drink  with  them 
but  he  politely  declined.  Another  man  coming 
up  just  at  this  time  he  was  also  asked  to  indulge, 
and  taking  the  jug  he  responded:  "Certainly,  I 
will,  and  I've  got  Scripture  for  it,  too.  Don't  the 
Bible  say,  Be  temperate  in  all  things?  and  whis- 
key being  something  how  can  I  be  temperate  in 
it  unless  I  drink  some?  "  Saying  this  he  looked 
at  the  Doctor  with  a  triumphant  air  and  a  wink 
at  the  "boys."  Dr.  Mell,  good  naturedly  said: 
"I  suppose,  gentlemen,  that  was  intended  for 
me,  as  I  was  the  only  one  to  refuse  the  drink. 
Now,  I  have  just  two  objections  to  that  doctrine. 
In  the  first  place  there  is  no  such  passage  in  the 
Bible.  And  in  the  second  place  suppose  the 
Apostle  had  said,  Be  ye  temperate  in  all  things, 
are  you  going  to  construe  it  in  the  way  just 
given?  If  you  do  you  will  have  to  bite  a  piece 
out  of  that  jug  as  well  as  drink  some  of  the 
whiskey,  for  jug-biting  is  just  as  much  "a  thing'-' 
as  whiskey-drinking.  And  then,  see  what  a, 
chapter  of  accidents  you  will  be  in.  You  will 
have  to  go  through  life  biting  a  piece  out  of 
every  hedge  you  come  to;  nibbling  the  bark  of 
every  tree  you  go  by;  drinking  some  out  of  every 
mud  puddle  you  pass;  and,  finally,  my  dear  sir, 
you  will  have  to  bite  a  piece  out  of  every  little 
dog's  tail  you  pass  on  the  road."  The  laugh 
w^as  turned  on  the  would-be  Bible  scholar. 


132  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Reverence  for  the  Sabbath  was  a  strong 
feature  in  Dr.  Mell's  character,  and  he  avoided, 
as  far  as  possible,  any  inclination  to  violate  its 
sacred  prerogatives.  The  following  incident 
furnishes  a  striking  illustration  of  this  fact. 

A  number  of  years  ago,  before  there  was  a 
railroad  between  Chattanooga  and  Nashville, 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  convened  in 
the  latter  city.  On  Saturday  night,  before  the 
meeting  of  the  Convention,  a  number  of  delegates, 
among  them  Dr.  Mell,  were  consulting  on  the 
train,  just  before  it  reached  Chattanooga,  con- 
cerning the  advisability  of  taking  the  Sunday 
morning  stage,  or  remaining  in  Chattanooga  un- 
til Monday  morning.  If  they  stayed  until  Mon- 
day morning  there  was  a  strong  probability  of 
arriving  in  Nashville  too  late  for  the  opening 
exercises  of  the  Convention.  It  was  decided  by 
all,  except  Dr.  Mell  and  one  other  delegate,  that 
it  would  be  best  to  take  the  Sunday  morning's 
stage.  These  two  concluded  not  to  travel  on  the 
.Sabbath. 

Sunday  opened  clear  and  beautiful  and  the 
party  started  off  in  the  highest  spirits,  with  the 
brightest  prospects  of  a  quick  and  successful 
journey.  They  had  not  been  gone  many  hours, 
however,  before  it  began  raining  and  continued 
until  late  at  night.  Early  next  morning  a  special 
conveyance  drove  up  to  the  door  of  the  hotel  in 
Chattanooga  at  which  Dr.  Mell  and  his  friend 


AMUSING  INCIDENTS.  133 

were  stopping,  and  put  out  a  passenger  and  his 
baggage.  This  carriage  was  from  Nashville  and 
the  driver  expected  to  return  immediately  with 
it  empty.  Learning  of  this  fact,  Dr.  Mell  con- 
tracted with  him  to  take  them  for  a  small  sum, 
and  they  left  some  time  before  the  regular  stage 
started.  A  little  over  half  way  between  the 
cities  they  passed  the  Sunday's  stage,  broken 
down,  with  the  passengers  out  in  the  mud  in  a 
deplorable  condition.  These  unfortunate  men 
did  not  reach  Nashville  until  Dr.  Mell  and  his 
friend  had  succeeded  in  obtaining  comfortable 
quarters  and  the  Convention  had  been  organized. 

One  Saturday  morning  he  intended  to  meet 
an  engagement  at  one  of  his  churches;  his 
watch  was  out  of  fix  and  it  was  considerably 
later  than  the  watch  indicated.  He  started  to 
walk  to  the  depot,  one  mile  distant,  as  was  his 
custom ;  and  proceeding  in  a  leisurely  manner  he 
had  gone  about  half  the  distance  when  he  heard 
the  engine  whistle  blow.  This  made  him  uneasy 
but  his  watch  still  reassured  him.  He,  however, 
quickened  his  pace,  and,  as  he  was  moving  hur- 
riedly along  he  met  an  old  negro  man  who  said : 

"Sho,  Marster,  yer  aint  gwine  to  take  der 
train?" 

"Yes,"  said  Dr.  Mell,  "I  expect  to  do  so  if 
possible.     Why  do  you  ask?  " 

"Why,  Lord,  Marster,  hit  done  gone;  look 
yonder. " 


134  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  SlELL. 

Looking  in  the  direction  indicated  by  the 
negro's  hand,  sure  enough  the  train  was  fast 
moving  out  of  sight.  Dr.  Mell  involuntarily 
quickened  his  steps  and  actually  ran  a  few  feet 
before  recollecting  himself,  when  he  turned  with 
much  dignity  and  slowly  walked  home.  While 
walking  off,  to  his  amusement,  he  heard  the 
darky  exclaim: 

"My  Gord-a-mighty!  tryin'  to  run  down  er 
train  er  kyars  an'  hit  done  got  two  miles  de  start 
er  'im! " 

He  used  to  travel  on  this  same  road  to  his 
churches  frequently  in  company  with  a  Metho- 
dist minister  who  also  preached  to  a  church  near 
Antioch.  This  minister  was  a  widower  and  Dr. 
Mell  often  teased  him  about  the  ladies.  One 
Saturday,  as  they  were  going  down  together, 
and  in  the  presence  of  several  other  gentlemen, 
he  requested  him  to  preach  the  next  day  from 
the  text:  "This  widow  troubleth  me."  The  fol- 
lowing Monday,  returning  to  Athens,  some  one 
asked  the  Methodist  divine  if  he  preached  from 
the  text  furnished  him  by  Dr.  Mell.  "Oh  no," 
said  he,  "I  took  the  text:  'How  long  halt  ye  be- 
tween two  opinions.'"  "Ah,"  said  Dr.  Mell,  "I 
did  not  know  there  were  two  of  them." 


THE  WAR.  135 


CHAPTER  XI. 

THE    WAR. 

Dr.  Mell  was  a  strong  sympathizer  with  the 
cause  of  the  South,  and.  at  the  opening  of  the  war 
in  1861  he  was  among  the  first  to  offer  his  services 
to  his  country  for  her  defense.  In  the  early  part 
of  1861  a  company  was  formed  in  Athens  Ga. , 
called  the  "Mell  Volunteers,"  and  afterwards 
changed  to  the  name  of  "The  Mell  Riflemen," 
in  honor  of  Dr.  Mell,  and  he  was  unanimously 
elected  to  command  it.  He  accepted  the  office 
and  at  once  commenced  drilling  the  meu  for 
active  service.  Benjamin  Mell,  his  eldest  son, 
who  had  just  graduated  from  the  University 
with  the  first  honor,  joined  this  company  as  a 
private.  Application  was  made  to  the  State 
Government  for  commissions  for  the  officers  and 
arms  for  the  men.  In  response  to  this,  Governor 
Joseph  E.  Brown  sent  the  following  commission 
to  Dr.  Mell:— 

"State  of  Georgia: 

By  his  excellency  Joseph  E.  Brown, 
Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Army  and  Navy 
of  this  State  and  of  the  Militia  thereof. 
To  P.  H.  Mell,  Greeting:— 

We,  reposing  special  trust  and  confi- 
dence in  your  patriotism,  valor,  conduct  and  fidelity,  do, 


136  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

by  these  presents,  constitute  and  appoint  you  Captain  of 
the  Mell  Riflemen  of  the  Militia  formed  for  the  defense 
of  the  State,  and  for  repelling  every  hostile  invasion  there- 
of. You  are,  therefore,  carefully  and  diligently  to  dis- 
charge the  duty  of  Captain  as  aforesaid,  by  doing  and  per- 
forming all  manner  of  things  thereunto  belonging.  And 
we  do  strictly  charge  and  require  all  Officers  and  Privates 
under  your  command,  to  be  obedient  to  your  orders  as 
such.  And  you  are  to  observe  and  follow  such  orders  and 
directions,  from  time  to  time,  as  you  shall  receive  from 
me,  or  a  future  Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  this 
State  for  the  time  being,  or  any  other  of  your  superior 
officers,  in  pursuance  of  the  trust  reposed  in  you.  This 
commission  to  continue  in  force  during  your  usual  resi- 
dence within  the  county  to  which  you  belong,  unless  re- 
moved by  sentence  of  Court  Martial,  or  by  the  Governor, 
on  the  address  of  two-thirds  of  each  branch  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

Given  under  my  Hand  and  the  Seal  of  the  Execu- 
tive Department  at  the  Capitol  in  Milledgeville 
this  the  28th  day  of  June  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  and  eight  hundred  and  sixty- 
one,  and  of  the  Independence  of  the  State  of 
Georgia  the  eighty-fifth. 

By  the  Governor. 

Henry  C.  Wayne, 

Adjutant  General." 

Attached  to  this  document  was  the  following 
form  of  oath: 

"I,  P.  H.  Mell,  do  solemnly  swear  that  I  will  bear  true 
faith  and  allegiance  to  the  State  of  Georgia,  and  to  the 
utmost  of  my  power  and  ability,  observe,  conform  to,  sup- 
port and  defend  the  Constitution  thereof,  without  any 
reservation  or  equivocation  whatsoever,  and  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  Confederate  States.  P.  H.  Mell. 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me,  this  the  5th  day  of 
July,  1861.  John  Kilpatrick,  J.  P." 


THE  WAR.  137 


"Executive  Department, 
Adjutant  General's  Office, 

MiLLEDGEVILLE,    GA.,    July'lst,  1861. 

Captain  P.  H.  Mell, 

Athens,  Ga. 
Sir: 

Herewith  you  have  the  commissions  of  yourself  as 
Captain  and  of  W.  W.  Lumpkin  and  John  B.  Cobb  as  1st 
and  2nd  Lieutenants  and  of  R.  H.  Goodman  as  Ensign  of 
the  Mell  Riflemen.  You  will  please  state  in  writing,  di- 
rected to  this  office  immediately,  whether  you  accept  the 
commission,  and  if  so  whether  you  have  taken  and  sub- 
scribed the  oath  thereto  attached. 

Very  Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Henry  C.  Wayne, 

Adjutant  General.'^ 

Preparations  were  made  to  carry  the  Mell 
Riflemen  to  the  front  in  Virginia,  and  the  com- 
pany was  assigned  to  Cobb's  Legion,  But  on 
the  6th  of  July,  1861,  Lurene  Howard  Mell,  the 
wife  of  Dr.  Mell,  died  leaving  a  large  family  of 
children,  some  of  whom  were  quite  young.  The 
father,  therefore,  was  forced  to  resign  his 
commission  in  order  that  his  family  might  not 
be  left  helpless  and  destitute.  In  the  death  of 
Mrs.  Mell  a  noble,  Christian  woman  was  lost  to 
society,  the  husband  was  bereft  of  an  affection- 
ate companion  and  sympathizing  wife  and  there 
was  a  gloom  cast  over  the  household  that  time 
only  was  able  to  soften.  Dr.  A.  A.  Lipscomb, 
Chancellor   of   the  University,    in   speaking  of 


138  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Mrs.  Mell  shortly  after  her  death   among  other 
things  said: 

'A  beautiful  character  in  early  g'irlhood,  fond  of  such 
pursuits  as  elevate  and  refine  the  opening'  heart,  and 
cherishing-  those  tastes  that  impart  a  genial  glow  to 
youthful  affections,  she  grew  up  in  the  quietof  home  with 
a  steadiness  of  purpose,  a  serene  thoughtfulness,  a  dignity 
of  spirit,  above  her  years.  On  reaching  womanhood  her 
mind  expanded  with  those  views  and  feelings  that  ex- 
perience and  responsibility  never  fail  to  bring  to  a  dis- 
ciplined nature.  She  entered  on  life's  duties  as  aims  and 
aspirations  to  cultivate  her  inward  being  no  less  than  as 
obligations  to  be  conscientiously  discharged,  accepting 
her  sphere  as  a  divine  gift  and  daily  finding  the  smile  of 
God  and  the  peace  of  Christ  in  all  its  anxieties  and  tasks. 
For  her  clearness  and  force  of  intellect;  for  the  gentle 
charms  that  add  such  grace  to  the  intercourse  of  ordinary 
life;  for  the  inbred  sympathy  that  gives  to  manners  the 
rank  of  a  virtue  and  sheds  such  a  welcome  light  ov^er 
human  fellowships;  for  these  we  admired  her.  But  we 
loved  her  for  qualities  higher  and  nobler.  She  was  a 
woman  of  lofty  principles,  possessing  a  sense  of  truth  and 
right  that  was  a  law  to  her  thoughts  as  well  as  actions, 
abiding  firmly  in  her  convictions  and  tenacious  of  them 
as  fixed  rules  of  action,  and  unselfishly  striving  to  make 
her  existence  a  benediction  and  a  joy  to  all  around  her. 
Such  were  the  qualities  of  character  that  bound  our  hearts 
to  her  while  living  and  drew  from  them  this  humble 
tribute  now  that  she  is  dead. 

•'For  some  twenty-five  years  she  was  a  consistent  and 
faithful  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  appreciating  in 
the  fulness  of  her  heart  its  institutions,  prizing  its  com- 
munion and  devoted  to  its  interests.  Her  religious  ex- 
])erience  was  uniform  and  progressive.  Marked  by  no 
violent  transitions,  by  no  abrupt  impulses,  it  was  singularly 
equableand  harmonious,  rising  as  life  advanced  into  higher 
views,  deepening  into  an  intenser  trust,  swelling  into  a 


THE  WAR,  139 

richer  joy,  but  always  characterized  by  those  traits  that 
give  stability  and  growth  to  Christian  culture.  Few 
■persons  have  had  less  warning  of  approaching  death,  but 
•she  was  found  ready.  The  summons  came  at  midnight 
but  her  lamp  was  burning  and  in  its  light  she  trod  the 
^ark  vallev." 


Before  the  expiration  of  the  year  the  Mell 
Riflemen  were  ordered  to  report  to  Lee's  Army 
in  Virginia  for  immediate  duty.  On  September 
14th,  1862,  at  the  Battle  of  Antietam  in  Mary- 
land, Benjamin  Mell,  who  had  been  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  Sergeant,  was  severely  wounded 
while  his  company  was  defending  the  Pass  at 
Crampton's  Gap.  He  was  left  helpless  on  the 
field  and  captured  by  the  Federals,  who  placed 
him  in  a  church  in  the  village  of  Burketsville, 
near  by  where  they  had  made  a  temporary  hos- 
pital. A  gentleman,  Mr.  T.  S.  Lee,  who  resided 
in  the  neighborhood,  obtained  permission  to  re- 
move him  to  his  house,  and  there  the  kindest  and 
best  attention  was  shown  him.  Dr.  West,  an 
excellent  physician,  put  forth  every  effort  that 
skill  could  devise  to  overcome  the  evil  effects  of 
the  wound  but  to  no  avail.  It  was  mortal,  and 
three  weeks  after  he  was  shot  on  the  field  of 
battle  the  young  soldier  breathed  his  last.  The 
sacrifices  this  family  made  for  an  entire  stranger, 
and  the  disinterested  kindness  they  extended  to 
him  throughout  his  severe  illness,  have  endeared 
them  beyond  expression  to  his  relatives.     Miss 


140  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Mary  D.  Lee,  daughter  of  Mr.  T.  S.  Lee,  who 
was  untiring  in  her  attentions  at  the  bedside  of 
the  dying  young  man,  and  who  did  everything 
that  gentle  hands  could  do  to  relieve  his  suffer- 
ing, wrote  to  Dr.  Mell  the  following  letter  an- 
nouncinar  the  death  of  his  son: 


'■My  Dear  Sir: 

It  is  my  painful  task  to  announce  to  you  the  death 
of  your  brave  and  interesting  son,  Benjamin  Mell.  You 
have  perhaps  heard  that  he  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
Crampton  Gap,  which  was  fought  on  the  14th  of  Septem- 
ber, on  a  mountain  pass  about  three  miles  from  the  house 
of  my  father,  Mr.  T.  S.  Lee.  He  was  taken  to  Burkets- 
ville  (a  village  close  by)  by  the  Federal  authorities,  where 
he  I'emained  under  the  care  of  the  Federal  surgeons  for 
about  a  week  and  was  very  kindly  treated  by  them.  My 
father  then  obtained  j^ermission  to  remove  him  to  our 
house.  You  may  feel  assured,  my  dear  sir,  that  he  re- 
ceived every  care  and  attention  that  it  was  in  our  power 
to  bestow.  He  was  attended  daily  by  two  excellent  phys- 
icians. My  parents,  my  brothei'S  and  myself  nursed  him 
day  and  night,  but  unfortunately  our  care  was  unavailing- 
to  preserve  his  life.  The  wound  which  terminated  his- 
life,  struck  his  arm  and  passed  from  that  into  his  side  and 
around  his  back.  His  sufferings  were  very  great,  but  he 
bore  them  with  the  utmost  patience  and  fortitude,  not  the 
slightest  murmur  or  complaint  ever  escaped  him.  He 
seemed  to  be  most  grateful  for  any  little  kindness  or  at- 
tention that  was  in  our  power  to  bestow.  His  great  de- 
sire was  to  see  his  dear  father  and  sisters  and  brothei-s  of 
whom  he  often  spoke  with  great  affection,  and  to  whom 
he  desired  me  to  send  his  tender  love.  He  was  perfectly 
resigned  to  die  and  he  felt  he  was  prepai-ed.  He  read  his 
Bible  very  often  and  said  to  my  mother  and  myself  that 
he  prayed  always.  He  said  he  wished  his  coat  to  be  sent 
to  you,   that  his  father  might  see  where  he  had  been 


THE  WAR.  141 

wounded,  and  that  he  had  not  disgraced  his  dear  father, 
but  had  behaved  bravely.  He  expired  on  Monday,  the 
20th  of  October,  about  eleven  o'clock  a.m.,  and  was  buried 
the  next  day  in  the  churchyard  of  the  Episcoi^al  church 
in  this  neij^hborhood.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Trapnell  performed 
the  service  over  his  remains.  His  name  is  marked  on  tho 
headpiece  above  his  grave  so  that  it  can  be  recognized 
hereafter.  We  have  no  opportunity  of  sending  you  his 
clothes  and  the  other  little  articles  which  he  had  about, 
him,  but  they  shall  be  carefully  preserved  to  deliver  to 
you  at  some  future  time,  but  I  enclose  to  you  a  lock  of  his 
hair.  I  will  keep  a  part  of  the  hair  for  fear  that  this 
letter  should  miscarry.  We  shall  be  most  happy,  dear 
^iv,  to  see  you  at  any  time,  and  if  there  is  any  thing  that 
I  have  unintentionally  forgotten  to  mention  about  your 
son  only  let  me  know  and  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  inform 
you.  We  feel  great  sympathy  for  you  in  the  loss  of  your 
brave  and  interesting  son. 

Yours  moyt  respectfully, 

Mary  D.  Lee." 

Dr.  Mell  replied  to  this  kind  letter  as  follows: 

"University  of  Georgia, 

Athens,  June  13th,  1866. 
My  Dear  Miss  Lee: 

Your  kind  letter  of  the  20th  of  October, 
1862,  reached  me,  I  cannot  say  how.  It  came  to  hand 
after  a  long  delay,  and  was  delivered  to  me  by  the  Engi- 
neer of  the  railroad  hei-e,  who  received  it  from  a  passenger 
on  a  connecting  line,  he  knew  not  whom.  It  had  been 
preceded  by  a  letter  from  Dr.  West,  which  reached  me  in 
a  way  alike  undefinable.  This  letter  arrived  while  I  was 
absent  in  Virginia  making  fruitless  efforts  to  get  access 
to  the  bedside  of  my  wounded  boy.  The  tidings  had 
reached  here,  with  all  the  appearance  of  authenticity,  that 
he  had  died  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  I  did  not  learn  to  the 
contrary  until  the  return  of  Captain  Camack  four  weeks 


142  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

after.  God  knows  how  my  heart  yearned  towards  my 
son,  and  what  strenuous  efforts  I  made  to  get  to  his  side. 
He  was  the  pride  of  my  heart.  But  the  will  of  the  Lord 
be  done!  I  did  not  learn  of  his  death  until  I  returned 
from  Virginia;  and  ever  since  I  have  been  living  under 
the  shadow  of  a  great  sorrow  ....  I  have  long  desired  to 
vprite  you  and  express  to  you  and  your  father's  family  my 
deep  gratitude  for  your  kindness  to  my  noble  boy.  First 
the  progress  of  the  war  prevented;  then  the  want  of  mail 
facilities  hei'e,  and  finally  when  this  want  was  removed, 
my  poor  heart,  longing  as  it  was  to  unburden  itself  of 
expression  of  the  gratitude  it  felt,  sunk  at  the  idea  of 
recurring  to  a  loss  so  irreparable:  and  shrunk  from  a 
task  which  necessarily  filled  it  with  unutterable  anguish. 
Some  sorrows  are  assuaged  by  silence.  The  arrival 
through  Dr.  Fuller  of  the  little  relics  of  my  son,  preserved 
and  forwarded  by  you,  however,  chides  my  delay,  and 
demands  that  T  should  nerve  myself  for  the  task.  I  thank 
God  for  the  evidence  that  my  boy  did  his  duty;  that  he 
bore  his  sufferings  with  manly  fortitude:  and  that  he  died 
in  the  hope  of  immortality.  It  is  no  small  consolation  too 
to  know  that  he  did  not  find  an  indiscriminate  grave  on 
the  field  of  carnage;  but  that  kind  hands  closed  his  eyes 
and  sympathizing  hearts  followed  him  to  Christian  burial, 
and  perhaps  dropped  a  tear,  (ah  me!)  over  his  premature 
grave.  Perhaps  I  shall  recover  pecuniary  resources  time 
enough  to  remove  his  body;  but  if  not,  the  Archangel's 
trump  will  awake  him  as  easily  under  the  hospitable  sod 
of  Maryland  as  though  he  was  sleeping  by  the  side  of  his 
sainted  mother  here. 

Be  pleased  to  jiresent  my  gratitude  to  Dr.  West  and  the 
other  physicians  who  attended  him  in  his  illness,  and  be 
assured,  my  dear  Miss  Lee,  that  I  shall  ever  retain  you 
and  your  father's  family  in  grateful  and  affectionate  re- 
membrance. 

Praying  God's  blessing  on  you  and  yours,  I  remain 
Yours  with  gratitude, 

P.  H.  Mell."' 


^  THE  WAR.  143 

Dr.  Mell  was  married  the  second  time  to  Miss 
Eliza  E.  Cooper,  in  Scriven  county,  Georgia, 
December  24th,  1861.  By  this  marriage  there 
were  born  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  now 
living.     Mrs.  Mell  is  residing  in  Athens,  Ga. 

On  the  30th  of  May,  1863,  the  citizens  of 
Athens  and  vicinity  met  in  convention  to  devise 
some  plan  for  defending  the  northern  part  of  the 
State  of  Georgia  against  a  threatened  invasion. 
At  this  meeting  it  was  "Resolved  that  the  people 
be  organized  into  companies  of  cavalry,  artillery 
and  infantry,  and  that  Prof.  P.  H.  Mell  be  re- 
quested to  command  such  companies  with  the 
rank  of  Colonel.  Resolved  that  in  view  of  the 
Governor's  Proclamation,  the  Colonel,  P.  H. 
Mell,  be  instructed  to  proceed  at  the  earliest  day 
practicable  to  Milledgeville  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  commissions  from  the  Governor  for 
himself  and  all  other  officers  under  him.  On 
motion  of  W.  L.  Mitchell  a  committee  of  three 
was  appointed  by  the  chair  to  wait  on  Prof.  P.  H. 
Mell  and  request  him  to  accept  the  appointment 
this  day  made.  The  chair  appointed  W.  L. 
Mitchell,  J.  Billups,  and  R.  D.  Moore." 

In  connection  with  this  occasion  an  amusing 
incident  is  copied  here  from  some  recently  pub- 
lished reminiscences  of  that  time. 

"When  the  Federals  began  to  make  raids  into  Georgia 
during  the  war,  many  of  the  towns  organized  "home 
guards'  for  their  protection.     When  the  time  came  to 


144  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

make  preparation  for  emergencies  and  for  active  duty, 
the  question  of  a  commander  was  broached.  Three  of  the 
most  discreet  and  bravest  citizens  of  Athens  were  ap- 
pointed to  put  things  in  good  shaj^e,  and  to  suggest  the 
name  of  a  suitable  man  to  command  the  force. 

When  they  met  in  consultation,  and  the  question  was 
asked,  who  shall  it  be?  one  of  the  committee,  a  man  of 
very  decided  convictions,  and  of  very  positive  manner, 
replied,  'I  am  for  Mell.'  'Why,'  said  another  of  the  com- 
mittee, 'he  knows  nothing  about  military  affairs.'  'I  don't 
care  for  that,'  said  the  other,  'I  am  for  Mell  anyhow.  For 
a  man  who  can  manage  four  hundred  Baptists  can  do  any- 
thing.'    So  Dr.  Mell  was  elected  Colonel.'' 

He  accepted  the  Colonelcy,  and  was  duly  com- 
missioned by  the  Governor.  He  addressed  the 
l^eople  in  many  places  in  Northern  Georgia, 
urging  them  to  form  companies  and  co-operate 
with  the  citizens  of  Athens  in  the  defense  of  the 
country  against  invasion.  The  Chancellor,  Fac- 
ulty and  nearly  all  the  students  of  the  University 
joined  this  regiment,  and  college  exercises  were 
suspended  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

Colonel  Mell  was  in  camp  with  his  regiment  at 
Rome,  Georgia,  and  also  at  Savannah  during  the 
remainder  of  the  war,  and  was  mustered  out  at 
its  close  and  returned  to  his  home  in  Athens. 

A  comrade  in  arms  has  said  that  "Colonel 
Mell,  with  sword  in  hand,  made  as  fine  a  military 
commandant,  and  exhibited  as  much  executive 
talent  as  when,  with  gavel  in  hand,  he  sat  pre- 
siding as  a  parliamentarian  over  a  deliberative 
body." 


THE  WAR.  145 

A  detachment  of  Sherman's  army  was  sta- 
tioned at  Athens  just  after  the  war  and  the  peo- 
ple of  that  city  will  long  hold  them  in  remem- 
brance for  the  many  violent  attacks  made  on 
both  person  and  property.  General  Lee  had 
surrendered  a  few  days  before  and  the  Federal 
soldiers  were  riding  through  the  streets  of 
Athens  in  every  direction,  tiring  their  guns  and 
insulting  the  citizens,  although  it  was  well 
known  by  them  that  the  war  had  ended,  and 
there  was  no  resistance  offered  to  the  occupancy 
of  the  city.  Dr.  Mell  was  sitting  on  his  porch 
when  one  of  these  soldiers  rode  up  to  the  gate 
and  asked  him  to  come  out  saying  he  wished  to 
speak  to  him.  Upon  complying  with  the  request 
the  fellow  demanded  of  him  his  watch  and  all 
other  valuables  he  had  on  his  person  upon  the 
ground  that  he  was  a  prisoner.  This  demand 
was  emphasized  by  a  gun  pointed  at  his  breast. 
Dr.  Mell  refused  to  give  up  his  watch  and  in- 
formed the  soldier  that  the  war  was  ended  and 
he  would  not  submit  to  be  taken  prisoner. 
Whereupon  the  man  began  cursing  him  and  told 
him  if  he  did  not  give  up  the  watch  at  once  he 
would  blow  out  his  brains.  Dr.  Mell  looked  the 
fellow  straight  in  the  eye  and  said  in  a  quiet 
voice:  "You  may  shoot  me,  sir,  but  you  shall 
never  have  any  of  my  property  if  I  can  help  it. 
I  am  defenseless  so  far  as  weapons  are  con- 
cerned, but  I  will  not  yield  one  inch  to  you,  even 

10 


146  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

though  you  murder  me. "  And  there  the  brave 
man  stood,  bareheaded,  looking  the  ruffian  in 
the  face  without  the  tremor  of  a  muscle,  expect- 
ing to  be  shot  immediately,  for  the  soldier  had 
cocked  his  carbine  and  was  aiming  at  the  de- 
fenseless breast  as  though  about  to  fire.  He 
suddenly  changed  his  mind,  however,  and  lower- 
ing his  gun  he  leaned  forward,  seized  the  Doc- 
tor's watch-guard,  jerked  out  his  watch,  wheeled 
around  and  rode  triumphantly  away,  cursing 
violently  the  outraged  man  who  stood  silently 
watching  the  thief  ride  off  with  his  property. 

While  this  was  transpiring,  a  wounded  Con- 
federate soldier  witnessed  it  with  indignation 
from  the  window  of  one  of  the  college  buildings 
that  had  been  in  use  for  some  time  as  a  hospital. 
He  determined  to  help  the  Doctor  regain  his 
property.  He  went,  therefore,  to  the  officer  com- 
manding the  Federal  forces  and  entered  com- 
plaint. This  General  ordered  a  search  to  be 
made  throughout  the  camp  and  the  watch,  to- 
gether with  many  others  that  were  stolen  from 
the  citizens  of  Athens,  was  recovered  after  much 
difficulty.  This  was  the  timepiece  given  Pro- 
fessor Mell  by  the  citizens  of  Penfield  in  1855, 
already  referred  to  in  this  biography. 

Dr.  Mell,  like  nearly  every  one  else  through- 
out the  South,  was  penniless  when  the  war 
ended,  and,  having  a  large  dependent  family, 
the  question,  where  to  get  bread  to  feed  them 


THE  WAR.  147 

became  a  grave  one.  Providence,  however, 
presided  over  his  destiny  and,  even  during  the 
darkest  hours,  he  never  lost  faith  but  kept 
his  trust  firm  and  steadfast  in  the  saving  power 
of  God.  It  was  during  these  desperate  times 
that  the  warm  and  generous  devotion  of  his 
friends  manifested  itself.  It  would  be  impos- 
sible to  enumerate  all  those  who  came  to  his 
assistance  while  he  was  absent  in  the  war  and 
just  after  the  close  of  the  war,  but  the  writer 
feels  obliged  to  mention  one.  Mr.  Mordecai 
Edwards,  a  deacon  in  his  church  at  Antioch  and 
a  lifelong  friend,  made  it  his  business  to  see  that 
all  the  wants  of  the  family  were  supplied  while 
the  father  was  in  the  army.  If  it  had  not  been 
for  his  great  kindness  the  wife  and  children 
would  have  suffered  for  the  necessaries  of  life. 
Dr.  Mell  frequently  spoke  of  this  and  kept  in  his 
heart  the  deepest  feelings  of  gratitude  and  affec- 
tion for  his  friend.  The  churches  at  Antioch 
and  Bairdstown  did  not  forget  their  pastor  dur- 
ing these  dark  days,  but  frequently  in  the  fam- 
ily's need,  these  kind  and  loving  friends  sent 
boxes  and  some  times  wagon  loads  of  provisions 
for  '  'Brother  Mell, "  and  there  would  be  rejoicing; 
in  the  household  at  Athens.  The  love  and  ad- 
miration the  members  of  these  two  churches  had 
for  him,  their  pastor,  and  the  great  influence  for 
good  he  exerted   throughout   the   surrounding 


148  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

country  made  them  call  that  section  "Mell's 
Kingdom. " 

On  January  1st,  1866,  the  exercises  of  the 
University  of  Georgia  were  resumed  and  the  Pro- 
fessors were  able  to  draw  their  salaries  again, 
and  the  impending  starvation  disappeared  from 
their  homes. 

In  1868,  Professor  Mell  was  asked  by  members 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  University  of 
Alabama  to  permit  his  name  to  go  before  that 
body  for  the  position  of  President,  assuring  him 
that  his  election  would  be  certain.  He  declined, 
however,  because  he  was  unwilling  to  leave  his 
native  State  where  almost  all  of  his  life  had  been 
spent.  The  Trustees  of  Howard  College,  Ala- 
bama, conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  LL.D., 
July  2nd,  1869. 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.       149 


CHAPTER  XII. 

ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER. 

As  a  parliamentarian  Dr.  Mell  held  an  enviable 
position  among  his  brethren  in  the  South.  There 
were  few  presiding  officers  his  equal.  His  log- 
ical mind,  cool  self-control,  clear  conception  of 
questions  of  order  and  impartial  rulings,  placed 
him  in  the  front  rank  among  occupants  of  chairs 
over  deliberative  bodies.  This  remarkable  power 
of  controlling  men  enabled  him  to  rapidly  rise  to 
the  highest  position  in  the  gift  of  the  Baptists  of 
the  South. 

He  considered  the  knowledge  of  parliamentary- 
law  so  important  that  he  urged  the  introduction 
of  the  subject  in  the  curriculum  of  every  college 
in  the  country.  He  thought  that  every  young 
man  should  have,  at  least,  a  general  knowledge 
of  the  science  in  order  to  enable  him  to  success- 
fully fill  positions  of  public  trust.  Following 
out  this  idea  he  organized  in  the  University  of 
Georgia  a  course  in  parliamentary  law  that  was 
greatly  prized  by  the  students;  and  many  of  the 
distinguished  graduates  of  this  Institution,  who 
now  occupy  prominent  positions  in  Georgia  and 
other  States,  were  pupils  under  him  in  this  im- 


150  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

portant  branch  of  learning.  The  course  of  lec- 
tures began  in  the  University  in  1870  and  con- 
tinued up  to  the  time  of  his  death  in  1888. 

In  1841,  Dr.  Mell  attended  the  Georgia  Bap- 
tist Association  for  the  first  time.  He  was  then 
twenty-seven  years  old.  Within  a  short  time  he 
occupied  a  front  position  among  the  intellects  of 
that  time-honored  body,  and  soon  became  its 
leading  spirit. 

For  many  years  he  was  re-elected  Moderator 
over  this  Association  and  also  presided  over  the 
deliberations  of  the  Georgia  and  Southern  Bap- 
tist Conventions  for  a  great  many  sessions. 
These  positions  he  held  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death  because  of  his  remarkable  knowledge  of 
parliamentary  law  and  his  great  influence  over 
men. 

The  following  table  gives  his  record  as  clerk 
and  presiding  officer  of  these  great  Missionary 
Bodies.  It  will  be  noted  that  he  held  the  po- 
sition of  clerk  of  the  Georgia  Association  for  six 
years,  and  in  the  Georgia  Convention  for  ten 
years.  For  thirty  years  he  was  Moderator  of 
the  first  body  and  President  of  the  Georgia  Con- 
vention for  twenty- six  years,  and  for  seventeen 
years  he  was  President  of  the  Southern  Baptist 
Convention. 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.       151 


TABLE  OP  RECORD. 


YEARS. 


GA.  ASSOCIATION. 


GA.  BAPTIST  CON. 

Clerk 

Clerk 

Clerk : 

Clerk 

Clerk 

Clerk 

Clerk 

Clerk 

Clerk 

Clerk 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 

No  Convention 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President    

President 

Absent  by  sickness 
Absent  by  sickness 
Absent  by  sickness 
Absent  by  sickness 
Absent  by  sickness 

President 

President 

Piesident 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 

President 


sou.  BAPTIST  CON. 


1845-46 

1847 

1848, 

1849 

1850 

1851 

185-2 

1853 

1854 

1855 

1856 

1857 

1858 

1859 

I860 

1861 

1862 

1863 

1864 

1865 

1866 

1867 

1868 

1869 

1870 

1871 

1872 

1873 

1874 

1875 

1876 

1877 

1878 

1879 

1880 

1881 

1882 

1883 

1884 

1885 

1886 

1887 


Clerk. 
Cleik. 
Clerk. 
Clerk. 
Clerk. 
Clerk. 


bn 


Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
In  the  army 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Moderator  . 
Absent  by  sickness 
Absent  by  sickness 
Absent  by  sickness 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 

Moderator 


-.  ^  rt  c 


°   "   O  ui 

jn   aw  rt 

"v  bli  _-° 

1^  u  c  *; 

^—  u  c 

u  r-  u 

.5  2oS 

President. 

No  Convention. 

No  Convention. 

President. 

President 

President. 

President. 

President. 

President. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

Absent  by  sickness. 

President. 

President. 

President. 

President. 

President. 

President. 

President. 

President. 


At  the  meeting  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention at  Memphis,  Tennessee,  in  1867,  Dr.  J. 
P.  Boyce  submitted  the  following,  which  was 
adopted: 


''Resolved,  That  the  President  (P.  H.  Mell)  of  this 
Convention  be  requested  to  prepare  a  Manual  of  Par- 
liamentary Law  and  Usage  adapted  to  the  necessities  of 
this  Body." 


152  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Previous  to  this,  the  only  parliamentary  guide 
the  Convention  seemed  to  have  was  "six  rules 
of  order, "  printed  in  the  minutes  each  year,  after 
the  Preamble  and  Constitution.  As  a  result  of 
this  request  "A  Manual  of  Parliamentary  Prac- 
tice "  was  issued  from  the  press,  and  on  the  7th 
of  May,  1868,  was  adopted  by  the  Southern  Bap- 
tist Convention.  It  has  passed  through  several 
editions  and  has  been  revised  and  enlarged  so  as 
to  adapt  it  to  general  and  universal  use.  This 
book  has  also  been  adopted  by  several  State 
Baptist  Conventions,  and  also  by  the  Georgia 
Legislature. 

The  thorough  command  that  Dr.  Mell  had  over 
questions  relating  to  parliamentary  law  and 
order,  and  the  remarkable  coolness,  kindness, 
impartiality  and  quickness  with  which  he  decided 
all  questions  submitted  to  him,  rendered  his  po- 
sition as  presiding  officer  over  the  Conventions 
almost  impregnable.  His  brethren  were  almost 
a  unit  in  declaring  him  the  most  suitable  man  in 
the  denomination  for  the  Presidency.  He  held 
the  chair  longer  than  any  of  his  predecessors, 
and  his  keen  powers  of  discrimination  and  de- 
cision remained  bright  and  undiminished  to  the 
last.  Efforts  were  made  several  times,  by  friends 
of  other  candidates,  to  capture  the  chair,  but 
always  resulted  in  defeat. 

The  following  incident  is  given  as  an  interest- 
ing illustration  of  this  fact,  Dr.  Mell  in  the  chair: 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.       153 

"After  the  enrollment  of  delegates  at  a  session  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention,  the  chair  announced  that 
the  election  of  officers  was  in  order.  A  member  moved 
that  Dr.  Mell  be  elected  by  acclamation.  The  chair  ruled 
that  it  required  unanimous  consent.  There  was  objection 
raised  to  the  motion  on  the  ground  that  while  all  were 
unanimous  then  it  might  not  be  so  in  the  future,  and  it 
was  not  wise  to  establish  a  precedent  that  might  hereafter 
give  trouble.  The  chair  ruled  that  the  point  was  well 
taken.  An  appeal  was  made  from  the  decision  of  the 
chair  on  the  ground  that  the  decision  had  been  already 
established  in  the  action  of  the  Convention  in  1869,  in 
electing  Dr.  Mell  by  acclamation.  The  Convention  sus- 
tained the  appeal,  and  the  member  renewed  his  motion  to 
elect  by  acclamation.  It  was  moved  as  a  substitute  that 
the  Convention  proceed  to  elect  by  ballot,  and  the  mover 
was  beginning  to  sustain  his  view  of  the  importance  of 
adhering  to  this  at  a  time  when  all  were  agreed  as  to  who 
should  be  President,  when,  at  the  earnest  request  of  Dr. 
Mell,  the  motion  to  elect  by  acclamation  was  withdrawn, 
and  the  ballot  for  President  was  proceeded  with — there 
being  no  nominations — and  the  result  was  that  of  232  votes 
cast,  Dr.  Mell  received  230." 

A  visitor  at  the  meetings  of  the  Southern  Bap- 
tist Convention  at Russellville,  Ky,,  in  1866,  said: 

"We  think  Dr.  Mell  the  best  presiding  officer  we  have 
ever  seen;  and  we  heard  many  present  at  the  Convention 
express  the  same  opinion.  He  understands  perfectly  the 
duties  of  the  position,  and  acts  with  that  deliberation, 
promptness  and  firmness  so  necessary  to  give  order  and 
dispatch  to  the  business  of  a  deliberative  body.  With 
dignity  and  firmness,  yet  with  kindness,  he  held  in  check 
any  who  might  be  unruly,  and  enabled  the  humblest  and 
most  modest  member  of  the  Convention  to  gain  the  ear  of 
the  body.  No  press  of  business,  or  excitement  incident 
to  such  meetings,  when  unexpected  questions  were  sprung, 


154  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

could  for  a  moment  disconcert  him.  He  impressed  all 
with  his  peculiar  fitness  for  the  position  which  he  so 
gracefully  filled." 

National  Baptist,  in  1868. 

"Dr.  Mell  has  the  reputation  of  being-  one  of  the  best 
presiding  officers  of  the  United  States.  An  examination 
of  his  "Manual"  proves  that  his  superiority  in  this  respect 
comes  from  a  very  full  comprehension  of  parliamentary 
science.  He  has  not  simply  studied  rules,  but  understood 
principles,  and  learned  to  apply  them. 

*  *  *  *  Y^Q  advise  every  man  who  aspires  to  office, 
to  prepare  himself  for  it  by  a  perfect  mastery  of  the  prin- 
ciples set  forth  in  this  book;  and  we  wish  it  could  be 
made  an  invariable  law  that  no  man  shall  attempt  to  pre- 
side who  is  not  prepared  by  an  acquaintance  with  par- 
liamentary science.  We  give  the  preference  to  this  book 
over  any  other  we  have  seen." 

The  strict  construction  of  the  duties  of  the 
President  of  the  Southern  Convention,  and  the 
limit  of  power  assigned  him  by  the  Constitution 
were  well  understood  and  carefully  guarded  by 
Dr.  Mell  during  the  many  years  he  occupied  the 
Chair.  The  following  letter  written  by  him  in 
1868,  and  published  in  the  Baptist  papers  of  the 
South,  well  illustrate  this  care  and  consideration: 

The  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 

"Providence  permitting,  the  Southern  Baptist  Conven- 
tion will  meet,  according  to  its  own  appointment,  at  Bal- 
timore, on  Thursday  before  the  Second  Lord's  day  in  May 
next.     (1868.) 

"Respectful  attention  has  been  given  to  the  request  of 
valued  brethren  that  the  meeting  should  be  postponed 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.       155 

for  a  year;  but  no  action  has  been  taken  in  the  premises, 
first,  because  two  of  the  Boards  have  not  united  in  the  re- 
quest as  prescribed  by  the  Constitution;  and,  second,  be- 
cause even  with  such  concurrence,  I  have  no  right  to  act 
in  the  existing  state  of  things,  and  for  the  reason  given. 
With  the  Constitution  printed  as  it  ought  to  be,  the  Pres- 
ident has  no  right  to  make  the  proposed  change  for  any 
reason  short  of  famine,  pestilence  or  war;  with  the  Con- 
stitution printed  as  it  is,  he  has  no  authority  in  the  prem- 
ises at  all. 

"At  the  meeting  in  Savannah,  in  1861,  the  Constitution 
was  so  amended  as  to  make  its  Article  XII.  read  as  fol- 
lows: 

"  'The  Convention  shall  hold  its  meetings  biennially, 
but  extra  meetings  may  be  called  by  the  President,  with 
the  approbation  of  any  one  of  its  Board  of  Managers.  A 
majority  of  the  attending  delegates  shall  form  a  quorum 
for  the  transaction  of  business.  The  President,  or  in  the 
event  of  his  death,  either  of  the  Vice-Presidents  of  the 
Convention  may,  at  the  request  of  two  of  the  Boards, 
postpone  or  alter  the  place  of  the  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion, when  it  may  be  deemed  by  him  inexpedient  to  con- 
vene at  time  or  place  appointed.' — [See  minutes  of  1863.] 

"The  Constitution  was  again  amended  at  Russellville; 
■and,  while  there  is  no  evidence  in  the  minutes  of  the  pro- 
ceedings that  this  article  was  changed  at  all,  by  clerical 
mistake,  I  suppose,  it  was  so  printed  as  to  appear  that  it 
had  been  amended  by  striking  out  the  last  sentence  com- 
mencing with,  'The  President,  and  in  the  event  of  his 
death,'  etc.  This,  if  an  error,  has  remained  unchallenged 
to  the  present  time,  even  though  this  Article  was  sub- 
mitted to  revision  and  amendment  by  the  Convention  at 
Memphis. 

"I  trust  that  all  will  see,  from  this  showing,  that  the 
Boards  and  President  have  no  constitutional  right  to  act 
-at  all  in  the  premises. 

"P.  H.  Mell, 
'^ President  Southern  Baptist  Convention.'^ 


156  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Sometimes  his  responses  to  questions  and  mo- 
tions carried  with  them  much  humor  and  keen 
wit. 

At  the  Session  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention in  1887  a  member  was  arguing  some 
mooted  point  on  mission  methods,  and  he  turned 
to  the  President  with  the  question:  "Am  I  not 
right,  sir?  "  With  the  utmost  precision  the  reply- 
came:  "The  chair  answers  questions  only  on 
points  of  order." 

Another  instance  of  this  tendency  to  humor  in 
the  ruling  of  the  chair  at  times,  and  also  a  fine 
illustration  of  kind  rebuke  is  well  brought  out  in 
the  following  article  that  appeared  in  the  Louis- 
ville Courier -Journal  some  time  in  1870: 


"No  visitor  to  the  Convention  can  fail  to  be  struck  with 
the  dignified,  prompt  but  courteous  officer  who  presides' 
over  its  deliberations.  And  if  thei'e  are  points  raised 
which  require  perfect  knowledge  of  parliamentary  law, 
tact,  firmness,  one  sees  at  once  that  the  hand  of  a  master 
has  the  helm,  and  that  from  his  decision  there  is  rarely, 
if  ever,  a  successful  appeal  to  the  house.  All  seem  to  be 
thoroughly  impressed  with  the  ability,  courtesy,  perfect 
fairness  and  firmness  with  which  President  Mell  conducts 
the  proceedings  of  the  Body.  Indeed  we  have  never  seen 
his  equal  as  a  presiding  officer.  His  book — '"Mell's  Par- 
liamentary Practice " — has  received  the  highest  enco- 
miums of  the  press,  and  is  coming  into  general  use.     *    * 

"He  espoused  the  cause  of  the  South  during  the  war 
with  all  the  ardor  of  his  nature,  and  was  for  a  time  the 
gallant  and  efficient  Colonel  of  a  Georgia  regiment. 

"He  has  honestly  'accepted  the  situation'  since  the 
war,  but  we  presume  that  some  of  his  brethren  across  the 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.        157 

border  would  pronounce  him  (because  of  his  candor)  to  be 
still  'unreconstructed  e.  g.,  when  in  Baltimore,  in  1868, 
the  response  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  to  the  fra- 
ternal message  of  the  Northern  Baptist  Convention  was 
being  discussed,  the  venerable  Dr.  Welch,  of  New  York, 
had  the  floor,  and  was  making  a  vei-y  loving  speech.  To 
show  that  he  did  not  censure  harshly  his  Southern  breth- 
ren, he  said:  'Why,  Brother  President,  if  I  had  been  in 
the  South,  such  are  the  impulses  of  my  heart  that  I  should 
no  doubt  have  been  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  rebellion.' 
At  the  utterance  of  the  last  word  the  gavel  came  down 
sharply,  and  Dr.  Mell  said  in  his  firmest  but  most  cour- 
teous tones:  'The  chair  rules  that  word  out  of  order,  on 
this  floor.'  'Why,  Brother  President,  what  shall  I  call 
it  sir '?  '  meekly  asked  Dr.  Welch.  'The  chair  will  not 
presume  to  dictate,  sir,  but  he  insists  upon  his  ruling  that 
the  word  'rebellion '  in  that  connection  is  out  of  order. 
He  shall  so  hold,  unless  you  appeal  from  the  decision  of 
the  chair.  Do  you  appeal,  sir  ?  '  'No,  Brother  President, 
I  do  not  appeal,'  responded  Dr.  Welch;  and  there  were 
not  a  few  followers  of  the  'late  so-called '  who  inwardly 
rejoiced  that,  in  any  respectable  body,  the  word  'rebellion' 
could  be  ruled  out  of  order." 

During  a  session  of  the  Georgia  Baptist  Con- 
vention a  member  who  represented  some  benev- 
olent enterprise  was  trying  to  raise  money  from 
the  brethren.  In  the  course  of  his  remarks  he 
was  very  bitter  in  his  denunciation  of  ministers 
who  wasted  their  money  in  the  gratification  of 
"sinful  appetites,"  particularly  in  the  matter  of 
using  tobacco.  His  speech  was  having  the  op- 
posite effect  from  that  desired  by  the  speaker. 
Dr.  Mell,  anxious  to  aid  the  cause  under  consider- 
ation, watched  for  an  opportunity  to  put  the 


158  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Convention  in  a  good  humor  again.  The  speaker 
continued  in  an  injured  tone  to  add  up  the 
amounts  spent  by  preachers  in  these  '  'sinfully 
wasting  habits,"  and  turning  to  the  President 
he  said :  '  'A  pipe  full  of  vile  tobacco  costs  five 
cents,  doesn't  it,  Brother  Moderator?"  "Yes, 
sir,"  promptly  responded  the  President,  "and  it 
is  worth  it,  too. "  The  Convention  was  uproari- 
ous for  a  while,  resulting  in  the  restoration  of 
good  feeling  and  in  stopping  the  speaker  in  his 
offensive  line  of  remarks.  It  was  really  of  great 
service  to  him,  however,  because  the  body  sub- 
scribed liberally  to  the  cause  he  was  advocating. 
The  presiding  officer  said  afterwards,  in  relating 
this  incident,  that  he  would  have  given  more 
than  the  tobacco  was  worth  if  he  could  have  in- 
dulged in  a  smoke  at  the  time  the  member  was 
speaking. 

At  a  session  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Conven- 
tion a  gentleman  was  addressing  the  body  in 
such  low  tones  that  the  ladies  present,  who  were 
seated  in  the  gallery  and  back  part  of  the  house, 
could  not  hear  what  was  said.  A  member  who 
was  seated  among  the  ladies  rose  impatiently 
to  a  point  of  order,  and  said:  "Brother  Presi- 
dent, I  rise  to  a  point  of  order;  we  cannot  hear 
the  speaker,  the  ladies  are  losing  his  address." 
"The  point  is  well  taken,"  replied  the  chair 
promptly,  "It  is  always  in  order  to  address  the 
ladies  in  this  Convention." 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.       159 

A  newspaper  account  of  the  Southern  Baptist 
Convention,  has  the  following  clause: 

"It  is  amusing  to  hear  the  varied  questions  asked  of 
the  presiding  officer  of  so  large  a  body  as  our  Convention. 
The  Doctor  brought  down  the  house  when,  in  answer  to 
a  question  from  a  brother  he  instantly  replied:  'The  Lord 
only  knows.'  Dr.  Mell  is  never  at  a  loss,  never  hesitates, 
nor  will  he  give  any  decision  on  a  question  not  within 
proper  limits  of  his  prerogative. 

At  a  certain  meeting  of  the  Southern  Baptist 
Convention  Dr.  Mell  called  a  brother  to  preside 
over  the  body  during  his  temporary  absence. 
Business  moved  along  all  right  until  some  one 
made  a  motion  that  called  many  to  their  feet,  all 
clamoring  for  recognition  from  the  chair.  The 
President  hopelessly  pounded  on  the  desk  for 
order,  order,  but  there  was  no  order.  Dr.  Mell 
was  sent  for  by  some  one  who  recognized  the 
importance  of  a  cool  headed  man  in  the  chair. 
He  came  back  and  quietly  assumed  charge  of 
the  chair.  The  gavel  tapped  lightly  on  the  table, 
and  instantly,  as  if  by  magic,  disorder  ceased, 
groups  of  members  that  had  formed  all  over  the 
house  and  were  talking  excitedly  and  loudly, 
dispersed  and  sat  down,  and  the  great  body 
moved  smoothly  and  orderly  on  with  its  business 
as  if  it  had  been  some  vast  piece  of  machinery 
under  the  control  of  its  master. 

Dr.  Mell's  decision  was  seldom  appealed  from, 
and  was  reversed  but  once  or  twice  during  the 


160  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL, 

whole  time  he  presided  over  the  Georgia  and 
Southern  Conventions.  A  combination  was 
formed  once  to  confuse  and  overthrow  him.  But 
he  was  calm  and  cool  during  the  heat  of  the  de- 
bate, never  losing  his  head  for  a  single  instant, 
while  his  opponents  on  the  floor  were  excited 
and  visibly  anxious  to  gain  every  point  of  advan- 
tage. The  President  was  fully  aware  of  the  ob- 
ject in  view,  and  his  mastery  of  parliamentary 
law  enabled  him  to  hold  them  in  check,  while, 
at  the  same  time,  he  was  ruling  in  every  point 
with  justice  and  firmness.  He  managed  in  such 
a  way,  during  the  heat  of  the  battle,  as  to  induce 
his  antagonists  to  appeal  from  a  decision  he  had 
just  made  in  their  favor,  and  the  appeal  was  sus- 
tained. As  soon  as  they  realized  what  had  been 
done,  they  were  thrown  in  the  utmost  confusion, 
and  were  compelled  to  move  a  reconsideration, 
and  then  the  decision  was  unanimously  sustained. 
This  victory  was  related  to  the  writer  by  Dr. 
Mell  as  an  illustration  of  the  great  power,  a 
knowledge  of  parliamentary  science  gave  to  one 
over  an  antagonist  in  a  deliberative  body. 

The  respect  and  esteem  with  which  he  was  re- 
garded by  his  brethren  all  over  the  South  made 
them  rely  on  his  decisions,  not  only  as  a  presid- 
ing officer  but  as  an  arbitrator  and  judge. 
There  are  two  noted  instances  of  this  fact  that 
came  under  the  personal  notice  of  the  writer. 
One  of  these  is  related  to  illustrate  the  state- 
ment made. 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.       161 

Two  churches  in  an  Association  in  Georgia  be- 
came estranged  because  one  of  them  received  in 
full  fellowship  the  excluded  member  of  the  other 
without  the  latter's  knowledge.  Each  church 
had  its  friends  and  followers  among  the  other 
churches  of  the  Association,  and  the  breach  thus 
caused  in  the  body  was  very  grave  and  threat- 
ened its  existence.  The  matter  had  been  ap- 
pealed to  the  Association  and  feeling  ran  high. 
It  was  conceded  that  if  it  came  to  an  open  dis- 
cussion in  the  body  the  organization  was  doomed. 
'Dr.  Mell,  on  being  informed  of  the  difficlilty, 
was  urged  by  the  cool  headed  members  of  the 
two  churches  to  attend  the  Association  and  assist 
them  to  stem  the  tide  and  allay  the  trouble.  He 
consented  to  do  so,  and  did  meet  with  the  Asso- 
ciation. When  the  subject  came  up  some  one 
moved  that  the  whole  matter  be  referred  to  Dr. 
Mell  and  that  his  decision  be  final.  This  motion 
was  objected  to  on  the  part  of  two  or  three  mem- 
bers, but  when  it  was  put  to  the  house  it  was  al- 
most unannnously  carried.  Both  of  the  churches, 
in  which  the  trouble  originated,  agreed  to  abide 
by  his  decision.  He  attended  a  meeting  at  each 
church,  listened  to  the  evidence  and  then  submit- 
ted his  advice.  The  brethren  accepted  it  at 
once,  the  whole  matter  was  thoroughly  and 
amicably  settled,  and  those  two  churches  are 
now  on  the  most  affectionate  terms. 

At  the  opening  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
11 


162  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

vention  in  Baltimore,  at  the  Seventh  Baptist 
Church,  in  1884,  when  it  was  announced  that  Dr. 
Mell  was  re-elected  President,  he  thanked  the 
members  for  another  fresh  expression  of  their 
confidence.  He  said:  "Presiding  over  a  great 
body  like  this  was  not  without  its  embarrass- 
ments. A  desire  to  deal  impartially  often  made 
a  presiding  officer  appear  stern.  But  I  cannot 
serve  you  as  your  President  without  following 
the  technicalities  of  parliamentary  law.  I  am 
the  servant  of  the  Convention,  not  the  master, 
and  it  is  my  desire  to  aid  the  body  to  carry  through 
successfully  all  the  business  relating  to  the  great 
issues  that  will  be  considered  by  this  Convention. 
The  brethren  have  elected  me  for  a  purpose,  and 
that  was  to  give  direction  to  the  proceedings  in 
so  far  as  that  can  be  done  by  a  presiding  officer. 
Brethren  must,  therefore,  understand  that  I  do 
not  intend  to  be  arbitrary,  but  to  obey  strict  delib- 
erative usages  in  all  decisions.  Unless  I  do  this 
there  would  be  'confusion  worse  confounded.'" 
Just  after  the  meeting  of  the  Georgia  Baptist 
Association,  in  1885,  P.  H.  Mell,  in  writing  to 
his  son,  made  the  following  statement  concern- 
ing this  body.  He  was  an  exceedingly  modest 
man,  and  was  not  accustomed  to  refer  to  things 
that  were  complimentary  to  himself,  but  this 
action  on  the  part  of  the  Georgia  Association 
touched  him  deeply,  and  he  gave  utterance  to  his 
feelings  in  the  letter  mentioned: 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER         163 

"That  body  did  to  me  a  very  great  act  of  kindness. 
For  nearly,  if  not  quite,  one  hundred  years  it  has  met  the 
week  previous  to  the  second  Lord's  day  in  October.  I 
came  very  near  failing  to  attend  this  year  on  account  of 
a  conflict  between  that  body  and  the  University — indeed, 
I  had  announced  in  a  way  to  give  it  general  circulation 
that  I  could  not  attend  this  year.  When  the  time  ap- 
proached, however,  I  was  able  to  so  adjust  the  affairs  of 
the  University  as  to  permit  me  to  be  present  at  the  oj^en- 
ing  of  the  Association.  I  was  unanimously  re-elected  to 
the  chair.  It  became  generally  understood  that  my  duties 
at  the  University  conflicted  each  year  with  the  meetings 
of  the  Association,  and  they  unanimously  voted  to  change 
their  time  of  meeting  so  as  to  suit  me,  and  this,  too,  in 
spite  of  my  earnest  request  that  they  should  not  make  the 
change  unless  they  for  other  reasons  preferred  to  do  so. 
It  profoundly  affected  me." 

The  following  extracts  from  newspapers  are 
given  to  indicate  the  universal  esteem  and  ad- 
miration many  seemed  to  have  for  Dr.  Mell  as 
a  presiding  officer: 

Christian  Herald,  of  Alabama,  1870. 

"the  president  of  the  convention."" 

"We  believe  that  it  is  an  acknowledged  fact,  that  as  a 
presiding  officer,  Dr.  P.  H.  Mell,  the  President  of  the 
Convention,  has  no  equal.  He  is,  by  far,  the  best  parlia- 
mentarian we  ever  saw.  The  Baptists  of  the  South  ought 
to  be  thankful  that  they  have  a  man  so  eminently  fitted 
for  the  position  he  occupies.  We  are  confident  that  the 
Convention  owes  much  to  Dr.  Mell  for  the  good  order 
which  prevails  during  its  session.  If  it  were  not  for  the 
promptness  and  accuracy  with  which  he  decides  questions 
of  order,  we  fear  that  our  Convention  would  oftentimes 


164  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

find  itself  in  a  very  embarrassing  situation,  but  thanks  to 
President  Mell,  his  head  is  always  clear  when  confusion 
reigns  around  him." 

Dr.  J.  L.  M.  Currey,  in  Selma  Messenger: 

"Dr.  Mell's  Parliamentary  Practice  is  the  result  of  a 
request  made  by  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  Hav- 
ing- examined  it  with  some  care,  we  unhesitatingly  pro- 
nounce it  the  best  hand-book  of  Parliamentai-y  law  with 
which  we  are  acquainted.  Stripped  of  confusing  detail — 
written  in  a  clear,  judicial  style,  without  a  superfluous 
word — it  eliminates  the  principles  of  the  science,  and  de- 
velopes  so  clearly  and  systematically  the  rules  for  the 
government  of  deliberative  bodies,  that  hereafter  there 
can  be  no  excuse  for  ignorance.  .  .  . 

"It  may  not  be  known  that  there  are  three  codes,  the 
British,  the  American,  and  that  which  obtains  in  the 
House  of  Representatives  at  Washington.  In  the  last, 
the  rules  are  subordinated  to  purposes  of  party  tyranny, 
and  the  supiDression  of  legitimate  debate.  Dr.  Mell  con- 
forms to  the  American  Code,  stating  clearly  and  concisely 
wherein  it  differs  from  the  others. 

"Dr.  Mell  is  one  of  the  best  presiding  officers  in  Amer- 
ica, has  an  analj'tical  and  discriminating  mind  like  Mr. 
Calhoun's,  has  studied  the  subject  thoroughly  and  philo- 
sophically, and  in  this  compact  work,  has  satisfactorily 
supplied  a  felt  want." 

Texas  paper  on  the  Session  at  Waco,  in  1883: 

"The  effect  of  the  vast  crowd  on  the  meetings  of  the 
Convention  was,  in  some  respects,  bad.  It  was  a  matter 
of  impossibility  to  have  that  good  order  and  decorum  in 
the  transaction  of  business  which  have  so  long  character- 
ized the  meetings  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention, 
and  it  was  even  a  little  amusing  to  hear  our  'prince  of 
parliamentarians'  (Dr.  Mell),  declare  on  the  last  day  of 
the  session:  'I  feel  like  the  figure-head  of  a  magnificent 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.       165 

ship  that  is  darting  and  pitching-  in  the  sea.  I  never 
knew  a  more  good  humored  crowd,  but  it  is  beyond  my 
capacity  to  control.'  But  really  he  had  the  ship,  crew 
and  passengers  entirely  under  his  control,  and  made  the 
Convention  present  as  dignified  an  appeai'ance  as  the 
United  States  Senate,  at  the  time  referred  to  by  Baldwin, 
when  he  said  that  'Webster  held  the  helm  while  Clay 
blew  the  gale.' 

Another  Texas  paper,  commenting  on  the 
Convention  that  convened  at  Waco,  said: 

"In  the  chair  sat  the  venerable  Dr.  Mell,  whose  pierc- 
ing eye,  gray  hair,  tall,  straight  person,  indicated  pene- 
tration, thought  and  firmness.  The  prince  of  parlia- 
mentarians, he  rules  the  body  with  measured  ease.  'I 
appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  chair,'  is  becoming  beau- 
tifully less,  and  Dr.  Mell,  in  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention, is  almost  instinctively  recognized  as  President 
without  the  vote  of  acclamation.  Upon  motion  of  Rev. 
G.  A.  Nunnally,  of  Georgia,  Dr.  P.  H.  Mell  was  elected 
President  by  acclamation.  The  result  was  heard  with 
applause,  whei^eupon  the  President  suggested  that 
nothing  is  more  disorderly  than  applause  in  a  religious 
assembly. 

"The  reign  of  courtesy  in  the  Convention  was  almost 
supreme.  Of  course,  the  Southern  Baptists  can  never 
cease  to  admire  the  genius  of  Dr.  Mell  as  a  presiding 
officer.  He  rules  with  the  inflexible  rigor  of  a  tyrant, 
and  yet  with  a  spirit  so  genial  and  sympathetic  that  no 
reasonable  man  can  ever  be  embarrassed  by  his  presence. 
But,  apart  from  him,  the  Convention  was  knit  together 
by  the  sweet  ties  of  unity  and  concord.  The  fact  is,  it  is 
not  common,  not  respectable,  not  decent,  not  even  bear- 
able, for  a  brother  to  violate  in  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention the  most  refined  principle  of  courtesy." 

Dr.  Bright,  of  New  York,  said  at  the  meeting 


166  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  at  Balti- 
more, in  1884: 

"I  am  glad  to  be  here.  I  am  glad  to  see  you,  sir  (Presi- 
dent Mell),  who  have  written  the  best  work  on  parlia- 
mentary practice  I  have  ever  seen.  I  am  glad  to  see  a 
man  put  his  own  principles  into  practice." 

1884.     Biblical  Recorder: 

"Dr.  Mell  presided  over  the  Convention  with  even 
more  than  former  success.  He  seems  to  grow  brighter 
and  quicker  with  age,  and  to  increase  in  power  and  effi- 
ciency as  a  presiding  officer." 

The  Augusta  Chronicle,  speaking  of  the  session 
of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  that  met  in 
Augusta,  Georgia,  says: 

"Among  all  the  men  who  are  prominent  on  the  floor, 
and  eminent  in  the  officers'  chairs,  the  Chronicle  must  be 
pardoned  for  noting  the  inspii'ing  and  directing  presence 
of  Patrick  Hues  Mell.  He  has  been  President  of  the 
body  for  twelve  years,  and  was  yesterday  returned  with 
overwhelming  accord  to  his  high  station.  He  presides 
with  great  strength  and  dignity.  His  voice  is  strong  and 
sympathetic;  his  manner  is  firm  and  courteous;  his  de- 
cisions are  prompt  and  clear  cut,  and  his  rulings  are  as 
sound  and  unimpeachable  as  organic  principles.  Dr.  Mell 
is  not  only  authority  upon  laws  and  precedents  for  de- 
liberative bodies,  but  is  himself  a  trained  and  distin- 
guished practical  parliamentarian." 

Dr.  J.  J.  D.  Renfroe,  in  a  letter  to  a  religious 
paper,  concerning  the  meeting  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention  in  Montgomery,  Alabama, 
makes  the  following  comment  concerning  the 
Address  of  Dr.  Mell  on  Parliamentary  Law: 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.        167 

"That  was  a  grand  Convention;  as  a  deliberative  body 
we  have  never  had  anything-  superior  to  it.  And  by  the 
way,  I  never  before  so  well  understood  the  character  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  as  a  deliberative  body 
in  distinction  from  so  many  mere  mass  meetings  which 
are  called  Conventions.  Dr.  Mell's  exposition  of  that 
feature  of  our  Convention  was  lucid.  In  1864  I  said  in  a 
newspaper  article  that  it  was  worth  the  expense  of  a  trip 
to  the  Convention  lo  witness  his  manner  of  presiding. 
That  was  just  after  the  Memphis  Convention,  where 
points  of  order  were  frequently  raised.  I  feel  the  same 
about  it  yet.  Young  ministers  ought  to  study  his  book 
on  Parliamentary  Practice,  and  while  he  lives  they  ought 
to  watch  his  administration  of  it." 

The  Texas  Herald  said: 

"Dr.  Mell  is  the  presiding  genius  and  central  figui-e  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  He  must  be  a  dull 
student  of  parliamentary  practice  who  does  not  learn 
something  new  and  valuable  every  year  he  attends. 

"When  the  Convention  was  ready  to  elect  officers  some 
one  rose  and  said:  'I  move  that  the  Secretary  be  request- 
ed to  cast  the  ballot  of  the  Convention  for  Dr.  P.  H.  Mell 
as  President  of  the  Convention.'  The  response  from  the 
chair  came  quick:  'No  such  motion  is  known  in  parlia- 
mentary law.'  Another  asked:  'What  would  be  the 
proper  motion  to  elect  by  acclamation.'  The  chair  re- 
plied: 'That  would  be  the  proper  motion  itself.'  Then 
the  member  said:  'I  move  that  Dr.  Mell  be  elected  Presi- 
dent of  this  Convention  by  acclamation.'  A  voice  from 
the  Assembly  said:  'I  object;  it  is  not  Baptistic'  The 
chair  ruled:  'One  is  a  majority  in  such  a  case.  Proceed 
to  prepare  your  ballots.'  " 

Another  paper,  commenting  on  this  Session, 
said: 

"After  religious  exercises  (in  the  afternoon  of  the  first 
day)  it  was  moved  that  Dr.  Mell  be  re-elected  President 


168  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

by  acclamation;  but  it  was  decided  to  be  more  Baptistic 
to  waste  half  an  hour  in  taking  a  ballot,  which  resulted 
in  an  unanimous  vote  for  Dr.  Mell." 

It  was  also  stated  by  some  that  he  should  be 
supplanted  as  President  of  the  Georgia  Baptist 
Convention  because  of  his  connection  with  the 
State  University.  That  the  influence  he  exerted 
as  President  of  the  Convention  attracted  atten- 
tion to  the  State  University,  and  thus  withdrew 
pupils  from  the  halls  of  Mercer  University.  But 
this  objection,  if  such  it  could  be  called,  seemed 
to  have  no  weight  with  the  large  number  of  dele- 
gates that  comprised  the  Convention  each  year, 
because  Dr.  Mell  was  never  opposed  by  a  vote 
large  enough  to  be  considered  of  any  special 
moment,  but  his  elections  were  next  to  unani- 
mous: 

Chicago  Standard,  in  1887: 

"The  Convention  proceedings  are  always  suggestive  to 
a  Northern  man.  The  dignified  and  kindly  presence  of 
the  occupant  of  the  chair — Chancellor  Mell,  of  the  Geor- 
gia State  University — is  well  nigh  the  most  marked  fea- 
ture of  each  session.  Again  and  again,  during  many 
years,  he  has  been  called  to  this  office.  Perfect  as  a  par- 
liamentarian, no  less  so  as  a  Christian  gentleman,  he  holds 
the  great  audience  in  his  hand.  As  Dr.  Strong  noted  in 
his  speech,  responsive  to  the  call  made  upon  him,  the 
business  of  the  Convention  is  characterized  by  a  spon- 
taneity much  lacking  with  us.  But  the  admirable 
guidance  of  the  chair,  and  the  parliamentary  instinct 
characteristic  of  Southerners,  prevents  freedom  from  de- 
generating into  license,  and  the  business  is  done  with 


ABILITIES  AS  A  PRESIDING  OFFICER.        169 

order  and  dispatch.  Applause  is  foi'bidden,  but  what  can 
Chancellor  Mell  do  when  Henson,  or  Hawthorne,  or 
Lorimer,  or  Dixon  or  Greene  has  the  floor?  " 

Another  paper  extract  says: 

"There  are  few  men  who  have  been  pressed  into  service 
so  often  as  presiding-  officer  as  Doctor  P.  H.  Mell.  Tall, 
erect,  dignified,  affable,  clearly  understanding  his  duties, 
and  discharging  them  impartially;  comprehending  with- 
out hesitation  the  most  intricate  questions  of  parlia- 
mentary law,  and  deciding  promptly  their  bearing  upon 
the  most  involved  and  prolonged  and  vexed  propositions, 
we  pronounce  hiiij  the  Pi'ince  of  Moderators.  He  is 
Chancellor  of  the  University  of  Georgia,  Moderator  of 
his  District  Association,  President  of  the  Georgia  Bap- 
tist Convention,  his  laurels  are  crowned  by  the  unanimi- 
ty with  which  for  the  eleventh  session  he  has  been  chosen 
to  preside  over  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  Withal, 
Dr.  Mell  is  one  of  the  most  scholarly,  logical  men  in  the 
South.  Listened  to  with  profound  interest  as  a  preacher, 
he  is  none  the  less  influential  in  private  life,  because  of 
his  Christian  simplicity  and  uniform  piety.  Although 
advanced  in  years,  his  eye  is  yet  undimmed,  and  his 
strength  unabated,  and  we  trust  many  years  of  increasing 
usefulness  are  before  him." 


170  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

CHAPTER  XIII 

REMOVAL,  OF  MERCER  UNIVERSITY. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Georgia  Baptist 
Convention  after  the  war,  the  Board  of  Trustees 
of  Mercer  University  urged,  in  their  report, 
that  the  college  be  removed  from  Penfield  to 
some  other  town  or  city  that  would  oifer  the 
best  inducements.  It  was  argued  by  them  that 
the  patronage  of  the  Institution  had  fallen  off  so 
much  because  of  its  inaccessibility  that  it  must 
be  moved  in  order  to  save  it.  Dr.  Mell,  and  a 
number  of  other  brethren  in  the  State,  were  op- 
posed to  the  change  for  several  reasons: 

1st.  The  fathers  of  the  denomination  had 
placed  the  college  at  Penfield,  and  it  had  flour- 
ished there  for  many  years.  2nd.  Penfield  was 
a  quiet  village,  where  the  boys  had  the  fewest 
temptations  possible.  3rd.  That  it  was  not  In- 
accessible. 4th.  That  the  best  influences  ex- 
isted in  Penfield  for  the  welfare  of  the  college, 
because  the  people  were  almost  entirely  Bap- 
tists. 5th.  The  removal  of  a  long  established 
Institution  would  be  almost  fatal  to  its  inter- 
ests. The  effects  of  the  war  had  not  entirely 
disappeared  and  in  a  few  years  the  University 
would  recover  its  old-time  prosperity.  They 
thought  the  Baptists  of  the  State  would  rally 


REMOVAL  OF  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.         171 

to  the  support  of  the  college  at  Penfleld  as  well 
as  they  would  if  it  was  located  in  any  other 
portion  of  Georgia.  The  old  Georgia  Associa- 
tion, that  gave  the  college  its  birth,  was  almost 
unanimously  opposed  to  its  removal. 

This  question  came  up  in  the  Convention  every 
year,  and  the  motion  to  remove  was  defeated 
each  time  until  the  session  at  Newnan,  in  1870, 
■when  it  was  carried  by  a  large  majority  of  the 
■delegates  present.  A  committee,  consisting  of 
one  member  from  each  Association,  was  ap- 
pointed to  examine  places  bidding  for  the  col- 
lege and  consider  all  questions  relating  to  the 
removal.  Dr.  Mell  was  President  of  the  Con- 
vention during"  these  years,  and  therefore  took 
no  part  in  the  discussions  on  the  subject,  though 
Tie  did  not  conceal  the  fact,  in  conversation  with 
leading  Baptists,  that  he  was  opposed  to  the  re- 
moval of  the  Institution. 

Rev.  D.  E.  Butler,  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  of  Mercer  University,  and  also  chair- 
man of  the  committee  that  had  in  charge  the  re- 
moval of  the  college,  wrote  to  Dr.  Mell  the  fol- 
lowing letter,  and  received  from  him  a  charac- 
teristic  reply: 

"Madison,  Ga.,  July  4th,  1870. 
Dear  Brother  Mell: 

When  returning  from  the  Convention,  you  said  to  me, 
if  my  memory  is  right,  tliat  you  would  co-operate  with 
us  in  the  removal  of  Mercer  University.  With  that 
declaration  in  mind,  and  believing  that  all  the  brethren 


172  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

will  gladly  accept  your  influence  in  this  behalf  and  hav- 
ing consulted  with  some  of  them  upon  the  subject,  and 
they  agreeing  with  me — I  cordially  invite  you  to  Penfield 
next  week,  say  Monday,  Tuesday,  or  Wednesday,  or  all 
three  days. 

The  brethren  will  receive  you  kindly  and  by  free, 
frank  interchange  of  views  endeavor  to  establish  that 
cordiality,  harmony  and  confidence,  which  for  some  years 
seem  to  have  been  wanting  in  their  and  your  intercourse. 

Removing  Mercer  University  is  a  great  work — the 
success  of  it  requires  all  the  influence  of  all  the  Baptists 
in  the  State.  And  with  harmony  and  union  in  the  pres- 
ent condition  of  the  subject,  between  those  in  favor  and 
those  against  removal,  half  of  the  work  is  done  and  an 
united  front  prepared  for  all  future  questions  and  difficul- 
ties. Believing  that  you  will  receive  this  in  the  Christian 
spirit  by  which  it  is  prompted,  I  am.  Dear  Brother, 
Yours  in  Christian  bonds, 

D.  E.  Butler." 

To  this  letter  Dr.  Mell  replied  as  follows: 

"Athens,  Ga.,  July  5th,  1870. 
Dear  Brother  Butler: 

Your  kind  letter  of  yesterday  has  just  been  received^ 
I  reply  to  it  immediately.  You  are  laboring  under  a  mis- 
take in  regard  to  a  remark  you  think  I  made  on  the 
cars  in  reference  to  co-operation  in  the  removal  of  Mer- 
cer University.  I  do  not  remember  saying  anything  to 
you  on  the  subject  except  some  jocose  remarks  about  the 
house  on  wheels,  and  the  necessity  for  you  gentlemen  to 
go  to  Penfield  with  your  tents.  It  was  in  my  heart,  and 
I  said  to  Dr.  Tucker,  which  you  may  have  overheard, 
that,  when  the  college  is  removed,  Ixoill  use  all  the  influence  I 
have  to  induce  the  Baptists  to  rally  around  it.  But  it  is  not 
removed  yet;  and  in  my  opinion  it  ought  not  to  be.  I 
sincerely  think  it  to  be  wrong  in  principle  and  suicidal 
in  policy  to  take  it  away  from  Penfield  with  such  connec- 
tions.    I  could  not  co-operate  to  secure  or  facilitate  re- 


REMOVAL  OF  MEKCER  UNIVERSITY.         173 

moval.  On  the  contrary  I  candidly  confess  that  I  am 
prepared  to  rejoice  should  you  yet  be  legitimately  de- 
feated— especially  if  all  the  advocates  of  removal  should 
waive  all  factious  opposition  and  rally  around  the  Uni- 
versity where  it  is.  I  deem  it  proper  to  continue  though 
the  line  of  policy  I  have  marked  out  for  myself,  i.  e.,  to 
take  no  active  part,  pro  or  con.  on  the  question  of  re- 
moval. When  the  result  is  arrived  at,  whatever  it  may 
be,  I  shall  actively  use  all  the  influence  I  have  to  induce 
the  Baptists  to  abide  by  it,  to  acquiesce  in  it,  and  to  sus- 
tain Mercer  University. 

1  thank  you  for  your  polite  and  fraternal  invitation  to 
attend  Commencement.  It  would  give  me  great  pleasure 
to  do  so,  but  my  college  duties  will  prevent.  .  Besides  our 
Chancellor  is  absent  and  his  duties  and  responsibilities 
devolve  on  me. 

With  much  respect 

Yours  fraternally, 

P.  H.  Mell." 

He  kept  the  promise  given  in  this  letter  and 
used  all  the  influence  he  had  to  induce  the  Bap- 
tists to  rally  around  Mercer  University  after  it 
was  removed  to  Macon.  He  bowed  to  the  de- 
cision made  by  the  majority  of  his  brethren. 

After  the  Convention  in  1871,  when  it  was 
definitely  settled  to  remove  the  University  to 
Macon,  he  wrote  the  following  letter.  This 
shows  clearly  his  loyalty  to  the  interests  of  the 
denomination : 

"A  noticeable  feature  of  the  Convention  just  adjourned 
was  the  magnanimous,  forbearing  and  fraternal  spirit 
that  generally  ijrevaiied.  A  question  of  threatening 
character,  relating  to  the  educational  interests  of  the  de- 
nomination— one  involving   division  of    sentiment,  deep 


174  LIFE  OP  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

feeling,  and  personal  interest,  was  settled  to  the  mutual 
satisfaction  of  those  directly  at  issue. 

Two  Conventions  in  succession  have  unmistakably  de- 
cided in  favor  of  removal;  and  we,  therefore,  suppose 
that  the  majority  of  our  people,  who  care  anything  about 
the  subject,  are  of  the  same  oi^inion.  The  question,  then, 
of  the  removal  of  the  University  from  Penfield,  seems  to 
be  definitely  and  finally  settled.  If  this  be  so,  should  not 
those  of  us  in  the  minority  imitate  the  magnanimity  of 
the  people  at  Penfield,  and  submit  and  acquiesce? 

True,  there  are  some  imi3ortant  and  delicate  questions 
connected  with  the  location  of  the  University  yet  to  be 
passed  upon  by  the  Board  of  Trustees;  but  may  we  not 
hope  that  the  wisdom  and  piety  of  these  brethren  will  be 
adequate  to  the  occasion? 

The  sacrifices  I  recommend  to  others — and  more — I  am 
willing  to  submit  to  myself.  Some,  I  am  informed,  think 
the  position  I  occupy  in  the  denomination  in  the  State  is 
a  hindrance  to  harmony  and  union  among  our  people. 
Very  well;  I  am  prepared  to  abandon  it,  however  much  I 
prize  it.  Whatever  power  I  have  had  as  President  of  the 
State  Convention,  I  have  endeavored  to  wield  for  har- 
mony and  union.  I  now  give  notice  that  I  lay  it  down  for 
the  accomplishment  of  the  same  ends. 

.  P.  H.  Mell." 


The  paper  that  published  this  communication 
made  the  following  comments  on  the  subject 
matter: 


"The  spirit  of  the  letter  from  President  Mell  is  worthy 
of  all  commendation.  It  is  a  fresh  proof  that  he  knows 
how  to  speak  to  the  heart  of  his  brethren.  Even  his  emi- 
nent qualifications  for  the  position  which  he  has  adorned 
through  a  series  of  years,  scarcely  become  him  so  well  as 
the  willingness  to  retire  from  it  in  the  interests  of  har- 
mony and  union." 


REMOVAL  OF  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.         175 

Another  paper,  also  speaking  of  this  letter,  at 
the  time  said: 


'•The  letter  of  Dr.  Mell  breathes  a  magnanimous  Chris- 
tian spirit.  Georgia  Baptists  would  not  have  him  retire 
from  the  position  he  has  so  long  adorned. — they  only  de- 
sire the  aid  of  his  comprehensive  intellect,  and  the  influ- 
ence of  his  high  character  in  shaping  the  future  of  their 
great  denominational  enterprises.  He  has  touched  a 
chord  in  the  hearts  of  his  brethren  that  will  give  forth 
no  uncertain  sound  .... 

S.  P.  C. 

West  Point,  Ga.,  May  5th,  1871." 


The  Baptists  decided  in  1882  to  try  and  raise 
an  endowment  fund  of  $100,000  for  the  Institu- 
tion, and  representatives  were  sent  to  all  the 
Associations  to  lay  the  question  before  the  breth- 
ren and  thus  create  an  interest  in  the  work.  At 
the  meeting  of  the  Georgia  Association,  at  Anti- 
och,  Oglethorpe  county,  in  1883,  a  motion  was 
made  to  assume  for  the  Association  $5,000  of  the 
$100,000.  Before  it  could  be  seconded.  Dr.  Mell 
spoke  from  the  Moderator's  chair  and  asked  that 
it  be  made  $10,000.  This  motion  was  unani- 
mously adopted.  A  committee  was  appointed, 
consisting  of  eleven  members,  to  take  such  steps 
as  might  be  deemed  advisable  for  raising  said 
sum  during  the  following  year,  or  as  soon  there- 
after as  practicable. 

When  Dr.  Mell  reported  the  action  of  the 
Association    to    his    churches   at  Antioch  and 


176  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MEL,L. 

Bairdstown,  there  was  the  strongest  opposition 
manifested  because  the  people  objected  to  hav- 
ing the  college  moved  from  Penfield,  and  did  not 
propose  to  extend  a  helping  hand  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  this  purpose.  But  Dr.  Mell  not 
only  persuaded  them  to  withdraw  their  objec- 
tions for  the  good  of  the  denomination,  but  con- 
tributed a  large  portion  of  the  assessment  out  of 
his  own  pocket.  The  amounts  allotted  to  his 
churches  were  not  only  raised,  but  the  entire 
$10,000  assumed  by  the  Association  was  paid  into 
the  Treasury  of  the  college.  It  is  a  matter  of 
interest  to  note  that  the  money  raised  by  the 
Georgia  Association  was  more  than  half  the  to- 
tal amount  contributed  by  all  the  other  Associa- 
tions in  the  State,  and  yet  this  Association  stood 
alone  in  its  opposition  to  the  removal  of  the  col- 
lege from  Penfield. 

Another  instance  of  the  fulfilment  of  his  prom- 
ise made  to  Mr.  Butler  was  the  liberal  annual 
contribution  he  made  to  the  support  of  the  Theo- 
logical Chair  in  the  Institution,  and  besides  the 
help  he  extended  a  number  of  young  men  in  the 
college  who  were  studying  for  the  ministry. 

In  1870  Dr.  Mell  was  elected  President  of 
Georgetown  College,  Kentucky,  but  he  declined 
the  honor.  About  this  time,  also,  some  of  the 
most  influential  Baptists  in  Georgia  began  to 
agitate  the  question  of  electing  him  President  of 
Mercer  University.     Before  this  movement  took 


REMOVAL  OF  MERCER  UNIVERSITY.         177 

decided  shape,  however,  several  of  his  intimate 
friends  approached  him  to  find  out  what  his  deci- 
sion would  be  if  the  position  was  tendered  him. 
He  refused  to  permit  his  name  to  go  before  the 
Board,  and  the  matter  was  dropped. 


12 


178  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

ILLNESS. 

The  duties  of  the  University,  the  care  of  his 
churches,  the  calls  made  upon  him  by  the  de- 
nomination, his  literary  work,  and  an  enormous 
correspondence,  proved  too  great  a  strain  upon 
his  nervous  system.  Domestic  aiflictions  also 
came  with  crushing  force  upon  him.  Three 
noble,  promising,  brilliant  sons,,  one  after  the 
other,  were  taken  from  him  by  death  in  early 
manhood.  His  relations  to  his  family  were  pe- 
culiarly beautiful  and  tender,  and  his  grief  for 
the  loss  of  his  children  was  intense. 

These  labors  and  trials  were  too  much  for  his 
overtaxed  system,  and  in  August,  1871,  while 
filling  his  pulpit  at  Bairdstown,  he  was  pros- 
trated by  a  nervous  attack  which  came  near  ter- 
minating his  life.  He  was  unable  to  reach  his 
home  for  several  weeks  and  his  friends  all  over 
the  State  despaired  of  his  life.  But  it  pleased 
God,  in  His  kind  Providence,  to  spare  him  for 
still  greater  usefulness.  For  an  entire,  year  or 
more  he  was  unable  to  attend  to  the  duties  of  his 
chair  in  the  University  of  Georgia,  and  was 
forced  to  give  up  all  preaching  and  all  other 
active  work.     The  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Uni- 


ILLNESS.  179 

versity  of  Georgia  were  exceediugly  kind  to 
him  during  his  illness,  and  gave  him  a  vacation 
of  one  year,  continuing  his  salary 

We  are  indebted  to  the  same  kind  friend  pre- 
viously quoted,  Mrs.  D.  B.  Fitzgerald,  for  the 
following  beautiful  and  feeling  description  of  the 
scenes  preceding  his  illness,  and  the  wonderful 
patience  and  courage  he  exhibited  during  its 
course : 

In  1871,  when  already  overtaxed,  he  conducted  meet- 
ings at  Antioch  and  Baird's,  feeling  within  himself  that 
he  was  giving  way  beneath  his  burdens,  and  imjiressed 
with  the  thought  that  the  hour  of  his  departure  was 
near  at  hand.  With  an  earnestness  so  deep  that  it 
seemed  like  prophecy,  with  an  impassioned  pathos  he 
told  them  at  Antioch  that  his  work  was  ended.  And 
as  he  looked  over  the  congregation  he  saw  some  who  had 
been  sitting  under  his  ministry  from  youth,  until  their 
heads  were  whitening  with  approaching  age,  and  yet  he 
had  never  been  able  to  touch  their  hearts. 

"Must  I,"  he  asked,  "leave  you,  as  I  found  you,  out  of 
Christ?  Must  all  my  arguments,  my  entreaties,  my  pray- 
ers, be  only  so  many  millstones  hanged  about  your  necks 
to  drag  you  down  into  perdition?  My  skirts  are  clear.  I 
have  warned  you  of  God's  righteous  indignation.  I  have 
wooed  you  by  all  the  sweetness  of  Christ's  love."  Lift- 
ing his  eyes,  he  said  solemnly,  "God  is  my  witness,  I 
have  not  shunned  to  declare  unto  you  the  whole  counsel 
of  God,  but  0  how  can  I  leave  you.  For  many  of  you,  I 
feel  it  will  be  only  a  little  while  till  we  shall  hold  sweet 
converse  in  a  better  world,  but  for  you  who  have  resisted 
the  power  of  the  Gospel  so  long,  must  I  stand  in  judg- 
ment against  you?  " 

He  talked  as  Aaron  might  have  plead  with  Israel  before 
he  ascended  Mount  Hor,  from  which  he  was  never  more 


180  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

to  i-eturn.  And  God  gave  him  the  desire  of  ]iis  lieart  in 
great  measure,  for  men  wlio  had  never  been  melted  be- 
fore came  forward  in  the  congregation,  and  with  tears, 
asked  the  prayers  of  God's  people,  and  were  afterwards 
united  to  the  church,  together  with  many  others  during 
the  never-to-be-forgotten  revival  that  followed. 

He  went  from  Antioch  to  Bairdstown,  and  the  same 
scenes  were  re-enacted,  and  here  he  fell  in  his  jjulpit 
during  the  service.  Often  had  he  been  heard  to  say, 
"Let  me  wear  out,  not  rust  out.  Let  me  die  in  the  har- 
ness." And  it  seemed  then  he  was  to  have  his  wish.  For 
just  in  proportion  to  the  great  will  power  put  forth  to  re- 
sist this  illness,  in  like  ratio  was  the  reaction,  and  the 
result  was  a  total  collapse.  He  went  down,  down  so  deep 
into  the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  till  there 
was  no  hope  that  he  would  ever  be  given  back  to  us  iu 
this  world.  But  God,  who  had  guided  him  along  such  a 
remarkable  career,  meant  there  should  be  one  more 
crowning  excellence  added  to  the  well-rounded  charac- 
ter, one  more  rich  fruit  to  the  already  full  cluster  of 
Christian  graces.  He  became  an  object  lesson  of  the 
most  beautiful  patience,  of  the  most  humble  submission 
to  God's  will,  a  model  for  invalids.  Nothing  in  his  whole 
life  was  more  wonderful,  nothing  more  admirable,  noth- 
ing that  showed  more  fully  how  completely  he  loved  and 
trusted  God.  Here  was  all  his  preaching  crytallized  into 
practice. 

He  had  always  been  of  slight  figure,  but  was  remark- 
ably free  from  bodily  ailments;  his  erect  carriage,  his 
alert  movements,  his  quick,  springing  step  showed  that 
his  physical  organization  was  strong  and  enduring.  He 
was  wont  to  stretch  out  his  right  arm  and  say  laughing- 
ly: "Nervous!  Why  I  have  no  nerves!  I  am  strung  with 
tougher  stuff  than  that.  I  work  till  I  am  tired,  and  when 
I  lie  down,  I  am  asleep  in  two  minutes  after  I  get  settled 
on  my  pillow." 

He  rejoiced  in  this  immunity  from  pain,  and  thanked 
God  for  the  health  he  enjoyed.  But  when  he  was  struck 
down   in  his  most  useful  career,   one  who  has  not  wit- 


ILLNESS.  181 

nessed  similar  sufferings  can  iorm  no  idea  of  tlie  intensi- 
ty of  his  anguish.  Only  the  sustaining  grace  of  God  kept 
him  through  that  awful  time.  And  yet  he  gave  no  sign 
of  impatience,  never  a  murmur  of  complaint.  Domestic 
virtues  shone  pre-eminently  in  him.  Never  was  a  more 
devoted  husband  and  father,  and  when  this  stroke  fell  on 
him  it  dried  up  every  channel  of  joy  in  that  household. 
His  faithful  nurses  tended  him  with  tireless  vigilance 
and  tender,  enduring  love.  It  was  long  before  he  was 
able  to  walk  and  as  the  prostrate  nerves  slowly  regained 
their  equilibrium,  what  avenues  of  torture  they  became, 
but  never  a  word  of  repining.  He  gave  no  utterance  to 
the  despair  that  must  have  tugged  at  his  heart  many 
times  when,  after  weeks  of  slow  improvement  he  would 
relapse,  and  find  himself  again  "at  the  bottom  of  the 
well,"  as  he  expressed  it.  Hoping  when  he  could,  and 
patiently  enduring  when  there  seemed  no  ground  for 
hope,  he  made  the  most  of  the  situation.  Never  forget- 
ting that  life  is  a  breath  of  God,  and  an  inestimable  boon, 
he  religiously  refrained  from  any  imprudence,  or  indul- 
gence that  might  result  in  harm.  While  greatly  desir- 
ing to  depart  and  be  with  Christ,  duty  required  that  he 
should  be  careful  of  the  body  which  seemed  so  hopelessly 
wrecked.  He  had  spent  his  life  as  a  student  and  thinker; 
his  keen  and  analytical  mind  had  delighted  in  hard 
questions,  but  now  he  dared  not  even  try  to  think.  The 
least  effort  at  concentration  of  thought  brought  keen 
suffering.  Stripped  of  his  strength  mentally  as  well  as 
physically,  he  could  do  nothing. 

How  vividly  the  writer  recalls  those  trying  days. 
Whenever  the  sun  shone  he  would  be  much  out  in  the 
open  air,  "taking  a  sun-bath"'  he  called  it.  He  would  sit 
on  the  porch  for  hours.  Before  him  stood  the  college 
buildings,  and  the  chapel  bell  clanged  out  the  hours  of 
recitation,  his  colleagues  passed  to  and  fro,  the  students 
swarmed  over  the  campus,  the  streets  were  full  of  busy 
men,  and  the  hum  and  noise  fell  on  his  ear  as  he  sat  in 
enforced  idleness.  Day  after  day  he  sat,  not  fretting,  but 
with  the  gentle  docility  of  a  little  child  waiting  foi- 
Nature's  slow  recuperation. 


182  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL, 

He  delighted  in  the  companionship  of  little  children, 
and  amused  himself  with  their  simple  pleasures.  With 
a  smile,  sadder  than  tears  to  those  that  loved  him  so 
much,  he  would  say,  "I  am  a  child  again  myself.  I  have 
to  be  taken  care  of.  I  am  powerless  to  help  myself,  but 
God's  will  be  done." 

As  is  said  of  Job,  "In  all  this,  he  sinned  not,  nor 
charged  God  foolishly,"  for  many,  many  months  he  bore 
this  crucial  test.  "They  also  serve  who  stand  and  wait," 
and  at  no  period  of  his  eventful  life  did  Dr.  Mell  preach 
more  forcibly  than  during  those  dreary, painful  days  of  suf- 
fering. He  had  taught  by  precept  how  God  can  satisfy  the 
soul  even  in  extremity  of  suffering,  but  he  showed  by 
unwavering  example  how  fully  he  believed  what  he  had 
preached.  It  seemed  to  his  churches,  left  without  a  pas- 
tor, that  God  had  stopped  his  work,  his  pupils  mourned 
his  absence  from  the  class,  his  family  were  heartbroken 
to  see  how  completely  he  had  been  overcome  by  disease, 
and  they  felt  as  if  an  irrepai-able  loss  had  fallen  upon 
them.  And  yet  this  dark  back-ground  throws  out  in  bold 
relief  a  brilliant  picture.  The  wonderful  exhibition  of 
patient  submission  to  God,  of  sweet  reliance  on  Jesus, 
was  the  crowning  excellence  of  his  fruitful  life,  a  richer 
legacy  for  his  children  than  any  his  busy  hands  had  ac- 
cumulated. And  when  God's  glorious  purpose  had  been 
served,  and  the  faithfulness  of  his  servant  had  been 
proven,  He  permitted  him  to  be  restored  to  health.  And 
more  than  a  decade  of  life  was  granted  him.  He 
preached  as  never  before,  his  hearers  caught  a  sweeter 
ring  in  his  voice,  his  spiritual  sight  was  clearer,  his 
heart  more  mellow,  and  some  of  his  sermons  were  match- 
less in  their  depth  of  tenderness  and  power.  Like  Paul, 
he  could  say,  "I  know  in  whom  I  have  believed,"  "I 
have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  Sept  the  faith,  hence- 
forth there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  life." 

After  suffering  for  nearly  a  year  his  physician 
decided  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  take  a  trip 


ILLNESS.  183 

on  the  ocean  in  order  to  revive  his  prostrated 
nervous  system  and  restore  him  to  health  again. 
As  soon  as  his  friends  in  Georgia  and  other 
Southern  States  learned  of  the  decision  of  the 
physician  they  urged  Dr.  Mell  to  take  a  trip  to 
Europe  and  generously  clinched  the  argument 
by  presenting  him  with  a  check  for  $1,000  to  de- 
fray the  expenses.  This  liberal  proof  of  the  great 
esteem  and  admiration  in  which  he  was  held  by 
his  brethren  all  over  the  South  touched  him 
very  deeply.  The  trip  was  taken,  in  company 
with  his  wife,  and  he  returned  sufficiently  re- 
stored in  health,  to  resume  his  duties  at  the 
University  and  as  pastor  of  his  two  churches. 
Within  a  year  or  so  after  his  return  from  abroad 
he  fully  regained  his  health  and  strength  and 
seemed  to  take  a  stronger  hold  upon  life  than 
before.  The  Savannah  church  again  elected 
him  pastor  in  1874,  but  he  declined  to  give  up 
his  work  in  Athens,  and  with  his  churches  at 
Antioch  and  Bairdstown. 


184  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

The  subject  of  this  biography,  in  addition  to 
his  other  labors,  was  a  voluminous  and  able 
writer  upon  educational  and  religious  topics. 
His  active  mind  was  continually  at  work  upon 
subjects  of  interest  to  the  people,  and  he  was  a 
constant  contributor  to  the  various  newspapers, 
both  denominational  and  secular.  His  style  was 
clear,  logical  and  forcible,  and  his  conclusions 
came  directly  home  to  the  minds  of  his  hearers. 
He  was  especially  able  in  defending  the  doctrines 
of  his  denomination,  and  his  writings  were  al- 
ways highly  valued  and  extensively  circulated. 

In  the  "History  of  Georgia  Baptists"  a  writer 
in  speaking  of  this  feature  of  Dr.  Mell's  work, 
makes  the  following  comments: 

"He  is  the  author  of  several  able  works,  quite  difEerent 
in  character.  His  book  on  'Baptism'  is  small  but  conclu- 
sive, and  covers  briefly  the  whole  subject,  leaving  little 
else  to  be  desired,  for  the  satisfaction  of  inquirers  after 
truth.  His  Manuals  on  Corrective  Church  Discipline,  and 
Parliamentary  Practice,  are  the  emanations  of  a  mind 
thoroughly  at  home  on  the  subjects  discussed,  and  are  ex- 
ceedingly valuable;  the  latter  has  been  adopted  by  vari- 
ous bodies  in  the  United  States — among  others  the  Legis- 
lature of  Georgia.  He  has  also  published  small  but  able 
works  on  Slavery,  on  Predestination,   on  Calvinism,  on 


PUBLICATIONS.  185 

God's  Providential  Government,  and  on  the  Philosophy 
of  Prayer.  His  last  work,  as  yet  unfinished,  vs^hich,  prom- 
ises to  be  his  greatest  and  most  useful  publication,  and 
the  matured  fruits  of  lifetime  thought  and  study,  is  on 
Church  Polity,  a  subject  of  which  he  may  be  considered 
the  master,  from  a  scriptural  standpoint." 

Besides  the  above  the  following  additional 
works  are  also  mentioned  because  they  discussed 
important  questions. 

"Keep  the  Sabbath"  was  written  in  1862,  at 
the  request  of  the  Georgia  Baptist  Convention, 
as  a  tract  to  be  distributed  among  the  soldiers 
of  the  Confederate  army. 

"The  Lord's  Supper."  Discusses  the  points 
of  agreement  and  disagreement  between  Baptists 
and  all  other  important  denominations. 

"Coming  to  Christ  with  its  methods  and  en- 
couragements." Published  at  the  request  of  the 
Alabama  Baptist  Convention. 

"College  Government — Dormitory  System." 
Published  in  1880. 

"The  University  of  Georgia" — defended 
against  attacks. 

"The  University  of  Georgia" — Reply  to  the 
Report  of  the  Board  of  Visitors  in  their  criticisms 
of  the  Institution.     1884. 

"The  Fathers  of  our  Association,"  (Georgia). 
1885. 

"Statements  and  discussions  elicited  by  attacks 
and  criticisms  on  the  University   of  Georgia." 


186  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MEL,L. 

1887.  This  work  was  the  last  elaborate  pro- 
duction from  his  pen  before  his  death  and  was 
remarkable  for  its  singular  vigor  and  clearness. 
He  devoted  his  entire  vacation  to  the  preparation 
of  this  work  instead  of  taking  the  rest  he  so  much 
needed,  and  many  thought  the  overwork  was 
the  cause  of  his  last  illness. 


ELECTION  AS  CHANCELLOR.  187 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

ELECTION  AS  CHANCELLOR  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY 
OP  GEORGIA. 

At  the  Commencement  exercises  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Georgia,  in  1878,  without  his  solicita- 
tion or  knowledge.  Dr.  Mell  was  elected  Chancel- 
lor. At  first  he  declined  the  position  because  the 
responsibilities  were  so  great  and  the  work  was 
so  hard  he  feared  his  strength  was  not  equal  to 
the  task.  Besides  this  the  University  at  that  time 
was  not  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  in  order 
to  bring  it  up  to  a  high  standard  and  revive 
the  interest  sustained  in  it  a  few  years  before, 
the  Chancellor  would  be  compelled  to  exhibit 
marked  skill  in  planning  and  in  marshaling  his 
forces.  Moreover  he  would  be  subjected  to  harsh 
criticism  for  the  condition  of  the  University  at 
that  time,  for  which  he  was  in  no  manner  re- 
sponsible. A  committee  from  the  Board  waited 
on  him,  however,  and  urged  him  to  reconsider  his 
declination  because  his  election  was  unanimous 
and  the  University  needed  his  wise  direction. 
This  action  of  the  Board  was  strongly  supported 
by  the  unanimous  request  of  the  Faculty  that  he 
accept  the  position;  the  Alumni  Society  passed 
resolutions  and  waited  upon  him  by  committee 


188  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

with  the  same  urgent  request;  and  appeals  came 
from  citizens  of  Athens,  that  he  accede  to  the 
wishes  of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  He  was  un- 
able to  resist  this  pressure  and  withdrew  his 
objections  and  accepted  the  Chancellorship. 

The  task  thus  placed  on  him  was  so  great 
that  it  required  all  his  time,  and  he  was  there- 
fore forced  to  resign  his  pastorates.  This  action 
brought  forth  the  following  resolutions  from 
Antioch  church: 

"Antioch  Baptist  Church, 
Sept.  14th,  1878. 

At  a  called  meeting  of  the  church,  the  following  pre- 
amble and  resolutions  were  adopted. 

Whereas,  a  communication  addressed  this  church  by 
Elder  P.  H.  Mell,  D.D.,  notifying  us  that  circumstances 
beyond  his  control,  necessitated  the  painful  duty  of  tender- 
ing and  asking  the  immediate  acceptance  of  his  resigna- 
tion of  the  pastorate  of  the  same,     Therefore, 

Resolved.  1st — That  trusting  that  He  who  does  all 
things  well,  and  according  to  the  council  of  His  own  will, 
is  directing  in  wisdom  the  course  of  this  event,  we  accept 
the  resignation  with  minds  and  hearts  shrouded  in 
sadness  as  we  part  with  one  whom  we  have  learned  to 
love  so  much — who  has  been  so  faithful  and  kind  as  pastor, 
brother  and  friend. 

Resolved.  2nd — That  our  hearts  swell  with  gratitude 
at  the  signal  honor  of  his  ministry  in  our  midst,  for, 
ifuly,  God  has  given  wonderful  success  to  his  efforts  in 
building  up  and  establishing  His  Kingdom  on  the  earth; 
and  we  doubt  not  many  a  gem  will  deck  his  crown  of  vic- 
tory in  that  day  when  the  Master  shall  gather  His  jewels. 

Resolved.  3rd — That  it  is  no  cold  or  formal  farewell 
that  we  give  him,  but  that  this  church  and  community, 
follow  him  wherever  his  lot  be  cast,  with  the  warmest, 


ELECTION  AS  CHANCELLOR.  189 

Ijest,  and  most  sincere  wishes  of  our  hearts;  praying  that 
his  life  and  health  may  be  precious  in  the  sight  of  the 
Master,  and  that  he  may  be  spared  long  to  his  dear  fam- 
ily and  friends,  and  be  insti-umental  in  accomplishing 
much  good  for  coming  generations. 

Resolved.  4th — That  being  impressed  with  his  won- 
derful usefulness  to  our  church  and  community,  and  of 
the  very  endearing  relations  existing  as  pastor  and  people, 
it  is  with  sorrow  and  regret  that  we  sever  these  ties;  and 
though  we  may  never  have  the  privilege  to  greet  him 
again  as  pastor,  yet  we  hope  to  meet  him  on  the  shores  of 
spiritual  deliverance  where  these  sad  farewells  are  un- 
known and  where  the  bonds  of  union  are  so  strong  as 
never  to  be  broken. 

Resolved.  5th — This  preamble  and  resolutions  be 
spread  upon  our  minutes  and  a  copy  of  the  same  be  for- 
warded to  Brother  Mell. 

By  order  of  the  church,  September  14th,  1878. 

M.  W.  Edwards, 
C.  J.  Landrum,  Moderator. 

Church  Clerk." 

At  the  time  he  assumed  the  Chancellorship,  as 
already  stated,  the  University  had  suffered  ma- 
terially in  patronage.  The  number  of  students 
had  decreased  from  344  in  1869  and  312  in  1873, 
to  161  in  1877  and  116  in  1878.  The  attendance 
at  once  began  to  improve  and  by  1884  Dr.  Mell 
had  succeeded  in  counteracting  the  downward 
tendency  and  the  number  of  students  in  that 
year  increased  to  203.  Before  he  was  elected 
Chancellor  the  Board  of  Trustees  passed  a  law 
abolishing  secret  fraternities  in  the  University, 
because  it  was  asserted  by  the  authorities  that 
these  organizations  were  detrimental  to  the  Lit- 


190  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

erary  Societies  and  in  some  other  respects 
injured  the  University.  Stringent  measures  were 
adopted  to  enforce  the  law  and  a  war  was  imme- 
diately declared  between  the  Faculty  and  the 
Secret  Fraternities.  Not  being  local,  but  ex- 
tending all  over  the  United  States,  these  Soci- 
eties received  sympathy  and  support  from  out- 
side influences  that  were  by  no  means  insignifi- 
cant. These  antagonisms  could  only  result  in 
great  injury  to  the  University  and  accomplish 
no  good. 

The  rule  as  printed  in  the  catalogue  of  1877 
reads  as  follows: 

"By  the  act  of  matriculation  every  student  pledges  him- 
self to  join  no  secret  society  other  than  the  Demosthenian 
or  Phi  Kappa  Societies,  during  his  stay  in  the  college." 

Before  Dr.  Mell  would  accept  the  position  of 
Chancellor,  he  stipulated,  among  other  things, 
that  the  above  rule  must  be  rescinded  and  the 
secret  fraternities  allowed  to  open  chapters  at 
the  University.  He  believed  it  was  unwise  to 
fight  these  organizations  on  account  of  their  non- 
local features,  and  for  the  same  reason  they 
could  be  made  powerful  influences  for  the  Uni- 
versity's good.  His  conservative  management 
of  these  matters  brought  back  confidence  and 
the  number  of  students  gradually  increased  un- 
til it  went  above  the  two  hundred  mark. 


DORMITORY  SYSTEM.  191 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

DORMITORY    SYSTEM. 

In  1878  the  Board  of  Trustees  passed  a  law  re- 
quiring a  Dormitory  System  to  be  inaugurated 
in  the  University  of  Georgia.  There  were  ob- 
jectionable features  and  Dr.  Mell  argued  against 
it  but  consented  to  try  the  plan  if  the  Board  in- 
sisted, and  would  furnish  him  with  the  necessary 
facilities  to  make  it  successful.  This  they  failed 
to  do  but  enacted  instead  a  law  which  if  enforced 
he  felt  would  wreck  the  University. 

The  following  extracts  taken  from  the  Chan- 
cellor's Annual  Report  for  1880,  thoroughly  ex- 
plain this  very  important  matter  in  the  history 
of  the  Institution. 

'  'As  soon  as  I  arrived  at  a  definite  conclusion 
as  to  what  was  my  duty  in  the  premises,  I  ad- 
dressed to  every  member  of  the  Board,  through 
the  Secretary,  the  following  communication: 

Chancellor's  Office,  University  of  Georgia, 
Athens,  Ga.,  August  9,  1879. 

Hon.  Wm.  L.  Mitchell,   LL.D.,    Secretai-y  Board  of 

Trustees,  University  of  Georgia: 

Dear  Sir:  On  my  personal  application,  two  days  after 
the  adjournment  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  you  were  kind 
enough  to  furnish  me  a  copy  of  the  action  of  that  body  on 


192  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

the  subject  of  the  method  of  discipline  in  the  University, 
as  follows: 

"DORMITORY  SYSTEM. 

"After  careful  consideration,  your  Committee  recom- 
mend the  following  action: 

''1.  That  the  house  on  Lumpkin  Street  be  taken  pos- 
session of,  and  be  let,  rent  free,  to  some  proper  person 
who  will  take  students  as  day  boai^ders. 

"2.  That  the  Prudential  Committee  shall  have  both  the 
College  Dormitory  Buildings  thoroughly  repaired  and 
cleaned,  and  the  students  be  required  to  occupy  them, 
with  the  following  exceptions: 

"1.  All  students  residing  in  Athens. 

"2.  The  members  of  the  Senior  Class  who  shall  prefer 
to  room  in  town. 

"3.  All  students  who  shall  bring  the  written  request  of 
their  parents  or  guardians,  asking  that  they  be  allowed 
to  room  in  town. 

"With  these  exceptions,  the  Faculty  are  instructed  to 
require  other  students  to  room  in  the  College  Dormi- 
tories." 

It  distresses  me  to  have  to  announce  to  you  that  it  is 
morally  impossible  for  me  to  comply  with  the  above  legis- 
lation. Of  course,  in  taking  such  extreme  ground  as  this, 
I  recognize  that  I  can  be  justified  only  on  the  principle 
of  invincible  necessity — a  necessity,  too,  that  must  be 
made  apparent  to  you  and  the  other  members  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees.  Before  attempting  to  give  my  rea- 
sons, however,  let  me  relieve  the  subject  from  two  irrel- 
evancies. 

First.'  I  do  not  propose  to  make  any  issues  with  the 
Board,  or  with  any  member  of  it.  I  have  the  highest  re- 
spect for  that  honorable  body,  and  for  all  the  distinguished 
gentlemen  who  compose  it.  They  have  never,  as  a  body, 
so  far  as  I  know  and  believe,  done  me  any  intentional 
wrong  or  harm;  but  have,  on  the  contrary,  brought  me 
under  many  and  very  great  obligations.  They  elected  me 
first,  to  a  professorship,  and  then  again  to  the  Chancel- 


DORMITORY  SYSTEM.  193 

lorship,  without  my  being  in  either  case,  a  candidate  for 
office.  During  all  the  twenty-three  years  of  my  connec- 
tion with  them  they  have  treated  me  with  kindness  and 
consideration;  and  their  generosity  toward  me,  when  I 
was  disabled  and  well-nigh  dead  with  nervous  prostration, 
has  brought  me  under  a  debt  of  gratitude  which  I  shall 
ever  feel,  and  at  all  times  and  in  all  ways  be  proud  to 
acknowledge.  There  is  no  controversy  between  me  and 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  as  there  are  no  just  grounds  of 
variance  between  me  and  any  of  the  able  and  distinguished 
citizens  that  compose  it,  Let  it  be  distinctly  understood, 
then,  that  this  is  not  an  arraignment  of  the  honorable 
Board  of  Trustees  as  a  body,  nor  of  any  individuals  that 
constitute  it;  but  a  i^espectful — perhaps  I  may  say  an  im- 
ploring, though  I  hope  manly — appeal  to  the  members  to 
do  what  they  can  to  rescue  me  and  the  University  from 
the  impossibilities  that  environ  us. 

Second.  This  is  no  case  of  intentional  disobedience  to 
law.  I  admit  and  maintain  that  the  Trustees,  when  as- 
sembled in  an  organized  body,  are  the  highest  authority 
in  the  University;  and  that  their  enactments,  in  their 
letter  and  in  their  spirit,  must  be  obeyed  by  the  Chancel- 
lor so  long  as  he  continues  in  office.  He  may  not  disre- 
gard them;  he  may  not  intentionally  evade  them.  True, 
if  laws  enacted  may  seem  to  the  Chancellor  to  be  per- 
nicious or  impracticable,  he  may  escape  responsibility  by 
resigning.  If  the  law-making  jjower  in  that  event  should 
prefer  the  measure  to  the  officer,  it  is  under  moral  obli- 
gation to  release  him  immediately;  for  it  would  be  in  vio- 
lation of  all  right  and  propriety  to  attempt  to  force  one 
to  execute  a  law  that,  as  in  this  case,  is  in  violation  of 
his  reason,  his  experience  and  his  conscience — that  jeop- 
ardizes his  reputation,  and  that  will  certainly  wreck  his 
administration. 

But,  it  may  be  asked,  why  I  did  not,  when  the  Board 
was  here,  and  why  J  do  not  now,  relieve  myself  by  resig- 
nation? I  answer,  because  I  am  and  have  been  environed 
by  impossibility.  On  account  of  the  extraordinary  con- 
ception (if  any  at  all)  that  the  Board  have  of  the  relations 

13 


194  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

the  Chancellor  and  Faculty  bear  toward  them,  while  they 
are  engaged  in  legislation,  I  did  not  know  their  action  in 
the  premises  until  after  their  adjournment.  Neither  of- 
ficially nor  unofficially,  directly  nor  indirectly,  was  I  in- 
formed or  given  reason  to  suspect  that  the  Board  had 
such  a  proposition  under  consideration;  for. the  measure 
adopted  was  altogether  a  different  thing  from  that  against 
which  I  had  argued  in  my  annual  report.  This  I  had 
heard  had  been  voted  down;  and  the  rumor  had  reached 
me  that  the  form  of  College  Government  which  I  had  rec- 
ommended, and  for  the  last  year  administered,  had  been 
adopted  by  a  majority  of  one;  but  I  did  not  know  that  the 
vote  had  been  reconsidered  and  the  present  plan  substi- 
tuted, until  the  Trustees  had  dispersed.  Had  their  action 
come  to  my  notice  in  time,  I  should  have  tendered  my 
resignation  immediately,  respectfully  but  peremptorily; 
for  nothing  could  induce  me  to  assume  the  responsibility 
of  administering  the  present  system. 

But  it  may  be  asked  again  why  I  do  not  resign  now? 
You,  sir,  can  answer  that  question.  You  will  bear  me 
witness  that  I  offered  the  resignation  to  you,  but  you  de- 
clined to  receive  it  on  the  ground  that  I  could  not  be  re- 
leased now,  since  the  law  required  me  to  give  twelve 
months'  notice. 

This  is  no  attempt  to  disobey  or  evade  law,  but  a  recog- 
nition of  the  impossibilities  that  surround  me,  and  a  frank 
statement  of  them  through  you  to  the  able  and  distin- 
guished and  just  individuals  who  compose  the  Board.  If 
an  enemy  h^d  done  it — if  the  hand  of  malignity,  with  con- 
summate skill  and  malice  aforethought,  had  provided  and 
disposed  the  obstructions — I  could  not  have  been  more 
thoroughly  hemmed  in  than  I  have  been  by  the  excellent 
gentlemen  who  have  given  me  hitherto,  so  much  of  kind- 
ness and  confidence.  By  their  action  they  have  placed 
me  between  the  horns  of  an  inexorable  dilemma.  If  I 
carry  into  effect  their  legislation,  I  inaugurate  a  system 
that  will  ruin  the  boys  and  young  men  confided  to  me- 
that  will  bring  disaster  upon  the  University,  and  that 
will  wreck  my  administration.     If  I  omit  to  carry  their 


DORMITORY  SYSTEM.  195 

enactment  into  effect,  I  seem  to  be  disobedient  to  law  and 
discourteous  to  them;  and  by  their  failure  to  inform  me 
of  their  action  previous  to  their  adjournment,  they  have 
made  it  impossible  for  me,  by  resignation,  to  extricate 
myself  under  the  forms  of  law. 

Let  no  one,  then,  uncandidly  make  appeal  to  prejudice, 
by  asserting  or  intimating  that  this  is  a  determined  at- 
tempt to  disregard  law,  and  to  overthrow  legitimate 
authority. 

But  what  is  there  in  the  system  that  justifies  me  in 
taking  such  extreme  ground? 

First.  I  object  to  the  very  essence  and  genius  of  the 
system. 

1.  Because  of  the  peril  to  which  it  subjects  the  moral 
character  of  the  student.  It  requires  young  men  and 
boys  to  occupy  large  dormitories  in  large  numbers,  with 
no  officers  or  other  influences  to  protect  them  or  restrain 
them.  In  this  respect  it  is  a  new  thing,  unlike  the  old 
and  obsolete  Dormitory  System  proper,  and  unlike  any- 
thing that  has  been  hitherto  tried.  Young  men  may 
have  been,  in  some  unfortunate  localities,  thoughtlessly 
permitted  to  assemble  together  in  large  numbers,  in  de- 
tached buildings,  away  from  the  constraining  influences 
of  authority,  and  from  the  conservative  influences  of  home 
and  virtuous  female  society;  but  never  before,  in  the 
history  of  colleges  in  all  times,  have  unsophisticated  boys, 
been  forced,  by  wise  and  Christian  men,  to  occupy  such 
positions  of  peril.  In  such  dormitories,  organized  vice 
would  entrench  itself  and  hold  high  carnival.  Drunken- 
ness and  gambling  and  licentiousness  would  there  fix  their- 
permanent  headquarters.  This  is  not  the  Dormitory 
System,  the  Trustees  voted  to  adopt  a  year  ago,  and 
against  which  I  argued  in  my  annual  report,  but  the  result, 
of  a  compromise,  intended  to  harmonize  the  members  of 
the  Board;  and  adopted  at  the  very  close  of  the  session, 
as  a  substitute  for  a  measure  that  they  had  carefully  con- 
sidered early  in  the  session,  and  by  majority  vote  approved; 
and  which  for  this  purpose  had  been  reconsidered.  It  may 
have  been  very  effective  in  reconciling  the  views  and  feel- 


196  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

ing-s  of  the  members  of  the  Board,  but  it  will  be  very 
potent  in  working  discord  and  destruction  to  the  Univer- 
sity community  if  put  into  effect. 

I  beg  again  to  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  this  system 
is  entirely  different  from  that  against  which  I  argued,  and 
which  I  promised  to  attempt  to  administer  if  the  Trustees 
insisted  on  it;  ^novided  that  they  would  supply  for  it  the 
essentia]  agencies.  The  Board  have  not  insisted  on  the 
plan  I'eferred  to,  but  have  adopted  another.  Of  course, 
then,  my  conditional  j^romise  falls  with  the  condition  on 
which  it  was  suspended.  There  is  no  longer  any  promise 
of  mine  to  attempt,  on  any  conditions,  to  administer  any 
kind  of  Dormitory  System. 

2.  I  object  again  because  the  system  furnishes  occasions 
the  least  favorable  to  studiousness  and  advancement  in 
scholarship.  These  dormitories  will  be  the  jjlaces  where 
the  sensations  will  be  found,  and  will  furnish  resorts  at 
all  hours  for  the  idle  and  the  vicious  from  all  parts  of  the 
town.  Force  compels  the  young  men  and  boys  to  lodge 
there,  but  there  is  no  government  enthroned  to  protect 
them  from  encroachment  and  interruption. 

Second.  I  object  not  only  to  the  genius  of  the  system, 
but  to  its  details  also. 

1.  An  unwise  and  unjust  distinction  is  made  between 
students.  Some  are  under  duress,  while  others  are  free; 
some  are  forced  to  occupy  the  dormitories,  others,  no 
more  deserving,  are  permitted  to  room  where  they  please. 
'The  boys  whose  parents  have  no  confidence  in  the  wisdom 
or  discretion  of  the  College  authorities  are  rewarded  by 
being  accoi'ded  the  largest  liberty;  while  those  whose 
parents  confide  in  us  are  treated  as  if  they  are  imbeciles 
or  inferiors,  and  virtually  punished  for  the  misplaced 
confidence  of  parents  or  guardians.  The  system  then 
would  give  us  two  classes  of  students — the  superior  and 
the  inferior,  the  free  and  those  in  duress.  Surely,  reason 
a,nd  justice  would  say,  if  we  7nust  have  an  enforced  Dor- 
mitory System,  let  it  embrace  everybody. 

2.  Again,  another  strange  anomaly  is,  that  the  Senior 
Class  is  excused  from  the  operation  of  the  system.     No 


DORMITORY    SYSTEM.  197 

oflBcers  are  to  room  in  the  buildings  with,  the  boys,  to 
restrain  them;  and,  to  make  it  worse,  no  experienced  stu- 
dent— one  who  has  met  witli  tlie  difficulties  and  dangers 
to  character  and  mastered  them — is  required  or  expected 
to  be  present,  to  exercise  an  influence  over  them.  The 
members  of  the  Senior  Class  are  morally  acclimated,  their 
characters  are  formed;  and,  if  they  were  present,  they 
might  establish  and  maintain  a  correct  and  mature  public 
opinion,  that  might  assert  some  conservative  power.  But 
here  all  College  authority  is  withheld,  and  all,  or  neai'ly 
.  all.  College  conservative  influence  dismissed,  and  the  in- 
experienced boys,  sons  of  those  who  confide  in  me,  are 
forced  into  those  i-elations  which  promise  good  neither  to 
moi'als  nor  to  mind. 

Filially,  the  system  promises,  in  the  matter  of  discipline 
and  order,  nothing  but  confusion  and  riot.  In  the  first 
place,  the  boys  are  forced  into  the  buildings,  but  there  is. 
no  power  present  there  to  govern  them.  In  the  next  place, 
if  nature  is  in  them,  they  will  resent  what  will  appear  to 
them  to  be  outrageous  distinctions  made  between  them 
and  others;  and  the  deterioration  of  character,  which  the 
system  will  produce  in  them,  will  be  ready,  in  vicious 
ways,  to  lend  aid  to  their  resentment. 

These  being  my  views  as  to  the  character  and  inevitable 
tendencies  of  the  system,  my  conscience  (I  say  it  with  pro- 
found respect)  will  not  permit  me,  either  actively  or  pas- 
sively, to  be  a  party  to  its  inauguration  here. 

A  weighty  consideration,  influencing  gentlemen  of  the 
Board  in  their  action,  may  have  been  that,  under  my  sys- 
tem and  in  my  hands,  a  large  building,  in  which  has  been 
invested  no  small  amount  of  money,  would  be  shut  up  and 
useless.  This  is  a  great  mistake.  The  system  which  I 
would  administer  needs  all  the  buildings  on  the  campus. 
"We  have  a  plan  which  will  unify  and  utilize  all  the  houses 
that  we  have.  I  did  not  present  it  or  allude  to  it  in  my 
report,  because  motives  of  delicacy  and  prudence  prompt- 
ed me  to  wait  until  the  Board  had  taken  definite  and  final 
action  on  the  "Dormitory  System.'' 

Hoping  that  it  will  be  in  your  power  to  serve  every 


198  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

member  of  the  Board  with  a  copy  of  this  communication, 
I  subscribe  myself, 

With  profound  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

P.  H.  Mell, 
Cliancellm-  University  of  Georgia." 

Copies  of  this  letter  to  Dr.  W.  L.  Mitchell, 
mentioned  in  the  report  above  published,  were 
sent  to  all  the  members  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
and  called  forth  from  them  a  number  of  replies,* 
some  commending,  others  condemning.  Two  of 
these  letters  from  the  President 'of  the  Board 
are  printed  below  to  indicate  how  deep  the  feel- 
ing was  on  both  sides  of  the  question  at  issue. 

"Augusta,  Ga.,  October  4th,  1879. 
Rev.  p.  H.  Mell, 

Chancellor,  University  of  Georgia. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

Your  communication  of  the  9th  of  August  last, 
to  the  Secretary  of  the  University  of  Georgia,  accompan- 
ied by  a  request  that  a  copy  be  sent  to  each  member  of 
the  Board,  has  reached  me  and  has  induced  much  painful 
consideration,  resulting  in  a  conviction  that  it  was  my 
duty  to  convene  the  Board.  I  have  accordingly  ordered 
a  meeting  on  the  29th  inst. 

It  is  not  my  purpose  now  to  discuss  this  unpleasant  mat- 
ter with  you,  but  simply  to  suggest,  in  all  kindness  and 
respect,  that  it  may  be  expedient  that  you  should  be  in 
Atlanta  at  that  time,-as  the  Board  may  desire  to  com- 
municate with  you  either  by  committee  or  in  full  session. 
I  make  this  suggestion  in  memory  of  your  very  valuable 
services  to  the  Institution  in  the  past,  in  consideration  of 
fair  promises  of  good  results  to  the  Institution  given  by 
the  past  year  of  your  Chancellorship,  in  full  acceptance 
of  your  disclaimer  of  intentional  disrespect  to.  the  Board, 


DORMITORY    SYSTEM.  199 

and  in  the  earnest  hope  that  by  conference  in  mutual 
kindness  and  candor,  an  escape  may  be  found  from  this 
dilemma  which  I  cannot  but  regard  as  serious. 

Very  respectfully,  etc., 

C.  J.  Jenkins." 

To  this  letter  the  following  reply  was  made: 

"Chancellor's  Office, 
University  of  Georgia, 
Athens,  Ga.,  October  7th,  1897. 
Hon.  C.  J.  Jenkins, 

President,  Board  of  Trustees,  University  of  Georgia. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  have  received  yours  of  the  4th  instant,  in  which  you 
inform  me  that  you  have  'ordered  a  meeting-  (of  the 
Board  of  Trustees)  at  Atlanta,  on  the  29ih  instant.'  I 
have  also  been  permitted  to  read  the  manuscript  text  of 
that  order.  I  have  most  respectfully  to  request  that  you 
will  modify  the  terms  of  that  call.  I  beg  leave  to  assure 
you  that  I  am  not  in  antagonism  with  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees, and  that  I  do  not  mean  to  refuse  or  neglect  to  carry 
into  effect  any  enactment  of  theirs.  This  I  am  prepared 
to  show  both  by  word  and  action  on  the  occasion  furnished 
by  your  call.  Excuse  me  for  saying  that  your  card  seems 
to  prejudge  the  case  and  to  condemn  me  without  a  hear- 
ing. Its  publication  will  do  me  great  injustice,  and  it  may 
spring  an  unfortunate  discussion  in  the  newspapers;  for 
some  indiscreet  friend  of  mine,  knowing  that  I  am  mis- 
understood, may  unfortunately  attempt  to  defend  me. 
The  public  have  nothing  to  do  with  this  question,  and 
there  is  really  no  issue  between  me  and  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  whatever  may  be  the  appearances. 

Please,  therefore.  Sir,  let  your  call  be  a  mere  technical 
one,  without  tone  or  coloring,  and  couched  in  such  terms 
as  to  make  it  impossible  for  inferences  to  be  drawn  un- 
favorable to  anybody.  For  I  assure  you  there  is  no  conflict 
between  me  and  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  I  stand  ready, 
as  hitherto,  to  do  all  in  my  power  to  enable  that  honor- 


200  LIFE  OP  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

able  body  to  carry  out  all  its  wishes  with  reference  to  the 
University. 

There  is  no  man  on  earth  who  moi^e  thoroughly  com- 
mands my  esteem  and  admiration  than  yourself,  .and  there 
is  no  one  whose  approbation  would  be  more  gratifying  to 
me.  Please,  therefore,  do  not,  even  by  inference,  by  the 
terms  of  your  call  unnecessarily  throw  the  influence  of 
your  great  name  against  me  in  advance  - 
Your  obedient  servant, 

P.  H.  Mell." 

Governor  Jenkins  replied  to  this  letter  as  fol- 
lows: 

"Augusta,  27th  of  October,  1879 
Rev.  p.  H.  Mell,  D.D.,  LL.D. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

Your  letter  of  the  7th  instant,  by  some  mis- 
chance, did  not  reach  me  until  the  24th. 

Believe  me,  nothing  was  further  from  my  intention  in 
the  call  for  a  special  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
sent  to  the  Secretary,  than  to  excite  prejudice  against 
you  or  to  throw  my  personal  influence,  great  or  small, 
against  you. 

It  has  been  my  practice  in  calling  such  meetings  (adopt- 
ed from  a  conviction  of  its  propriety)  to  indicate  the  cause 
inducing  the  call,  as  I  did  in  this  instance. 

I  alluded  to  conflict  between  the  Chancellor  and  the 
Board  of  Trustees  regarding  a  disciplinary  law,  passed  by 
the  latter  at  the  last  summer  meeting,  resulting  in  a  re- 
fusal of  the  former  to  execute  or  attempt  to  execute  that 
law. 

Now  let  me  premise  two  things: — 1st.  I  was  absent  from 
that  meeting  and  all  my  information  on  the  subject  under 
consideration  was  derived  from  your  communication  of 
the  9th  of  August  to  the  Secretary  with  a  request  that  he 
transmit  a  copy  thereof  to  each  member  of  the  Board, 
which  reached  me  at  a  distant  point  in  another  State. 


DORMITORY    SYSTEM.  201 

2nd.  That  the  conflict  or  antagonism  (I  think  I  used  the 
former  word)  to  which  I  i-eferred  in  the  call  had  no  refer- 
ence to  any  thing  personal  on  either  side,  not  even  to 
permanent  irreconcilable  disagreement  however  origi- 
nating, but  simply  to  practical  matter  of  fact  disagree- 
ment. Can  there  be  two  opinions  as  to  the  existence  of 
this  fact?  You  give  in  your  circular  of  the  9th  of  August 
the  text  of  the  new  law,  which  is  all  the  information  I 
have  on  the  subject.  Alluding  to  this  law  you  say:  "It 
distresses  me  to  have  to  communicate  to  you  that  it  is 
morally  impossible  for  me  to  comply  with  the  above  leg- 
islation." Again  you  say,  "It  would  be  in  violation  of  all 
right  to  attempt  to  force  me  to  execute  a  law  that,  as  in 
this  case,  is  in  violation  of  his  reason,  his  experience  and 
his  conscience."  Again,  "Nothing  would  induce  me  to 
assume  the  responsibility  of  administering  the  present 
system."  And  still  again,  "If  I  carry  into  effect  this  leg- 
islation I  inaugurate  a  system  that  will  ruin  the  boys  and 
young  men  confided  to  me,  that  will  bring  disaster  upon 
the  University  and  that  will  wreck  my  administration." 
And  yet  again,  "My  conscience  (I  say  it  with  profound 
respect)  will  not  permit  me  either  actively  or  passively 
to  be  a  party  to  its  inauguration  here." 

Here  then  we  have  the  Board  of  Trustees  speaking 
through  their  statute  the  text  of  which  you  have  fur- 
nished me  and  you  speaking  of  the  character  of  that 
statute,  as  you  regard  it,  and  declaring,  and  repeating 
your  determination  not  to  carry  it  into  effect.  So  there 
then  is  no  conflict  between  the  Board  and  the  Chancellor, 
no  refusal  by  him  to  execute  their  law?  Bear  in  mind 
that  I  have  not  characterized  that  conflict  in  any  way  in 
my  call,  have  imputed  blame  to  neither  party.  I  cannot 
see  in  it  all  any  thing  but  serious  conflict  of  opinion  .... 
and  the  existence  of  that  conflict  I  made  the  basis  of  my 
call. 

It  was  my  intention  when  I  made  the  call  to  attend  the 
meeting,  if  my.  health  permitted,  and,  as  intimated  in  my 
former  letter,  to  unite  with  all  similarly  disposed  in  find- 
ing a  way  of  escape  from  the  dilemma,  without  prejudice 


202  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

to  either  the  Board  or  the  Chancellor  and  without  rup- 
ture of  their  existing  relations. 

I  am  not  unmindful  of  the  manly  course  you  took 
promptly  to  relieve  yourself  by  resignation,  nor  am  I 
insensible  to  the  embarrassment  in  which  you  felt  your- 
self when  you  found  that  door  closed  against  you.  I  do 
not  at  all  question  the  rectitude  of  your  intentions  in  all 
you  have  done.  Still  there  was,  and  is,  in  my  view,  the 
simi^le  act  of  conflict,  which  is  anomalous,  so  far  as  I  know, 
unprecedented,  and  demanding  early  action,  for  which 
reason  I  made  it  the  basis  of  my  call.  I  found  also  in  your 
communication  early  and  earnest  appeal  to  the  Board,  to 
rescue  you  and  the  University  from  the  embarrassing 
status.  No  word  or  line  has  passed  between  myself  and 
any  member  of  the  Board,  save  our  worthy  Secretary  and 
one  other  gentleman,  who  made  a  written  request  that  I 
would  call  a  meeting. 

Upon  finding  that  the  concurrence  of  two  members  with 
the  President  was  necessary  I  revoked  the  call  and  in. 
formed  the  gentleman  of  it.  So  far  I  have  received  no 
other.  I  do  not  now  suppose  there  will  be  any.  Should 
there  be  I  will  endeavor  to  so  word  it  as  to  avoid  the  infer- 
ences you  seem  to  think  might  be  drawn  from  the  lan- 
guage of  the  first. 

Believe  me.  Sir,  nothing  would  pain  me  more  than  to 
find  I  had  said  or  done  anything  to  injure  you  in  any  way 
or  wound  your  sensibilities. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

C.  J.  Jenkins." 

In  the  reply  that  follows,  Dr.  Mell  indicates 
how  important  it  is  that  there  should  be  a  free 
and  full  consultation  between  the  Chancellor  and 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  so  necessary  for  the  best 
welfare  of  the  Institution  in  which  both  have  a 
vital  interest. 

There  is  no  possible  chance  for  success  in  the 


DORMITORY    SYSTEM.  203 

development  of  the  University  unless  the  Chan- 
cellor is  fully  aware  of  all  contemplated  enact- 
ments relating  to  the  discipline  and  vital  organ- 
isms of  the  Institution,  and  his  judgment  should 
"be  consulted  by  the  Board  before  the  final  vote  is 
taken.  He  has  been  appointed  to  the  position 
because  of  his  recognized  ability  to  manage  with 
distinguished  credit,  the  trust  in  his  charge.  His 
constant  presence  on  the  grounds,  and  daily  study 
of  all  interests  relating  to  the  University,  better 
qualify  him  for  safe  and  wise  counsel  than  can 
be  possible  with  any  member  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  whose  time,  between  the  annual  meet- 
ings, is  wholly  taken  up  with  other  subjects  that 
have  but  little,  if  any,  connection  with  college 
and  University  work.  With  this  idea  in  view 
the  following  letter  will  be  read  with  interest. 

"University  of  Georgia, 

October  31st,  1879. 
Hon.  C.  J.  Jenkins, 

President  of  Board  of  Trustees  University  of  Ga. 
Dear  Sir: 

Your  very  kind  and  satisfactory  letter  of  the 
27th  inst.  has  been  received.     Accept  my  thanks. 

The  only  object  I  have  in  view  is  to  enable  the  Board 
of  Trustees  to  establish  a  Dormitory  System,  if  they  de- 
sire, without  sharing  with  them  in  the  responsibility.  The 
only  right  I  have  been  endeavoring  to  exercise  is  the  right 
to  resign.  It  I  had  been  a  slave  or  a  subject,  I  should  have 
"been  compelled  to  submit  to  the  law;  if  I  had  been  a  sol- 
dier, it  would  have  been  my  duty  to  obey  it  as  an  order; 
if  I  had  been  an  executive  of  a  state  or  a  nation,  it  would 
have  been  imperative  on  me  to  enforce  it  as  an  enactment. 


204  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

But  I  am  a  voluntary  agent,  responsible  foi*  every  thing  I 
voluntarily  consent  to  carry  into  effect,  and  competent  to' 
escape  responsibility  by  resignation.  I  am  not  resisting 
the  Trustees.  They  shall  not  be  obstructed  by  me,  if  they 
give  me  the  privilege  to  escape  complications.  .  With 
this  subject  in  view,  and  solely  for  this  reason,  I  put 
all  members  of  the  Board  on  notice  of  my  difficulties,  six 
n-eeliS  before  the  opening  of  the  term,  with  the  hope  they 
would  assemble  during  the  vacation,  and — in  the  event 
they  overruled  my  objections  and  adhered  to  their  enact- 
ment— give  me  the  opportunity  to  resign  and  retire  im- 
mediately. Unfortunately  they  did  not  allow  me  to  be 
heard  on  the  law  before  they  adopted  it;  and  then  after 
adopting  it,  they  did  not  inform  me  of  it  before  they 
adjourned  that  I  might  have  decided  to  assume  responsi- 
bility for  it  by  consenting  to  execute  it,  or  escape  such 
responsibility  by  resigning.  But  they  did  not  consult  me 
at  all;  and  I  did  not  know  of  the  enactment  until  after 
their  adjournment.  Now,  I  know  the  Board  did  not  mean 
to  be  unkind  to  me.  The  whole  difficulty  originated  in 
the  fact  that,  at  the  moment,  they  did  not  recognize  that 
I  was  a  voluntary  agent,  responsible  as  well  as  they,  and 
that  they  had  not  formally  considered  an  important  ques- 
tion— viz:  What  relation  does  the  Chancellor  bear  to  the 
Board  of  Trustees  when  that  body  is  engaged  in  legisla- 
tion; while  it  is  making  or  modifying  organisms  in  the 
University  which  compromise  that  officer,  by  affecting 
the  discipline  which  he  is  to  enforce?  All,  or  nearly  all, 
the  irregularities  and  confusion  here  in  times  past  have 
grown  out  of  the  fact  that  that  question  has  not  been  set- 
tled to  the  satisfaction  of  all  parties.  Certain  it  is  the 
present  difficulty  originates  nowhere  else.  If  there  had 
not  been  an  (unintentional)  violation  of  this,  as  yet,  un- 
written law,  I  could  not  possibly  have  had  an  opportunity 
or  pretext  for  pursuing  a  course  which,  though  legal  in 
my  judgment,  may  possibly  be  offensive  to  some  of  the 
Trustees,  and  the  necessity  for  which  has  been  a  source 
of  great  distress  to  me. 

With  my  views  of  the  dangerous  character  of  the  sys- 


DORMITORY  SYSTEM.  205 

tern  adopted,  and  with  my  desire  to  escape  all  responsi- 
bility for  it,  there  was  but  one  safe  legal  course  for  me  to 
pursue.  I  availed  myself,  therefore,  of  that  provision  of 
law  which  authorized  you  to  call  an  extra  meeting-  at  the 
instance  of  two  members,  and  virtually  put  all  the  mem- 
bers on  notice  of  the  necessity  of  it.  If  a  meeting  had 
been  called  before  the  responsibiliUes  of  a  new  year  were  as- ^ 
Slimed  the  Trustees  could  have  had  their  own  way  without 
resistance  or  obstruction  from  me;  and  I  could  have 
escaped  all  responsibility  under  the  forms  of  law.  Un- 
fortunately, it  is  too  late  now  to  remove  embarrassment 
with  safety.  The  students  have  been  allowed  to  make 
their  own  arrangemenis  without  i-eference  to  the  Dormi- 
tories; and  an  attempt  to  undo  what  has  been  done  might 
place  the  University  in  the  chapter  of  accidents. 

As  soon  as  I  received  your  notification 'of  a  meeting 
called  for  the  29th  instant  I  proceeded  to  prepare  a  paper 
to  be  presented  to  the  Board.  In  this  I  discuss  the  sub- 
ject in  all  its  relations;  and  endeavor  to  answer  that  im- 
portant question.  This  paper,  after  a  time,  I  may  have 
printed,  according  to  a  provision  of  law,  but  at  my  own 
expense.  In  that  event  I  shall  serve  every  member  of  the 
Board  with  a  copy,  in  advance  of  the  annual  meeting. 
I  would  do  so  at  once  but  for  fear  that  some  might  sup- 
pose I  desire  a  meeting  to  be  held  now.  This,  for  the 
reason  given  above,  might  be  embarrassing  (not  to  me 
but)  to  the  University. 

This  letter  demands  no  reply.     Hoping  the  gravity  of 
the  occasion  and  subject  will  justify  me  with  you  for  writ- 
ing you  so  long  a  letter,  I  subscribe  myself 
With  great  respect. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

P.  H.  Mell."    ■ 

Governor  Jenkins  issued  a  call  for  a  meeting 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  consider  the  question 
brought  before  them  by  the  position  of  the  Chan- 
cellor on  the  Dormitory  System.     After  receiv- 


206  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

ing  the  published  copy  of  the  report,  mentioned 
in  preceding  pages  of  this  book,  this  call  was 
countermanded  and  the  entire  question  was  de- 
ferred until  the  regular  meeting  in  July,  1880. 
In  the  meantime  the  Prudential  Committee  sus- 
pended the  enforcement  of  the  rule  for  the 
session  then  in  progress. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Board  in  1880,  the  rule 
relating  to  the  Dormitory  System  was  recon- 
sidered and  defeated  and  the  University  was  tided 
over  the  breakers  in  safety.  Chancellor  P.  H. 
Mell  had  no  more  trouble  with  this  matter  as 
long  as  he  was  connected  with  the  Institution. 


ELECTION  AS  PROFESSOR  OF  THEOLOGY.    207 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

ELECTION     AS     PROFESSOR     OF     THEOLOGY     IN 
MERCER  UNIVERSITY. 

On  the  30tli  of  June,  1882,  Dr.  Mell  received 
notice  from  a  committee  of  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees of  Mercer  University  that  he  had  been  elected 
Professor  of  Theology  in  that  Institution.  This 
information  was  conveyed  in  the  following  letter. 

"Dr.  p.  H.  Mell. 
Dear  Brother: 

The  undei'signed  committee  wei'e  appointed  by 
the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Mercer  University  to  communi- 
cate to  you  your  election  by  them  to  a  Theoloarical  Pro- 
fessorship, and  to  urge  your  acceptance  of  it. 

For  the  better  understanding-  of  the  action  taken,  we 
transmit  you  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  adopted. 

Besolved.  1.  That  a  chair  of  Systematic  Theology  be  at 
once  reorganized,  and  that  Dr.  P.  H.  Mell  be  elected  to 
the  chair,  with  a  salary  of  two  thousand  dollars,  provided 
that  the  amount  shall  be  paid  without  using  the  endow- 
ment or  funds  hereafter  appropriated  to  other  objects. 

Besolved.  2.  That  .the  salary  of  the  said  Professor,  till 
otherwise  provided  for,  be  raised  by  securing  contribu- 
tions from  churches  and  individuals,  and  by  such  pledges 
as  will  guarantee  the  certainty  of  its  payment. 

Besolved.  3.  That  an  agent  be  immediately  put  into  the 
field  to  raise,  in  addition  to  the  annual  requirement  of 
said  Professor,  an  endowment  of  $35,000,  the  income  of 
which  to  be  exclusively  applied  to  the  support  of  said 
chair.     The  said  agent  shall  also  be  charged  with  the 


208  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

duty  of  canvassing  for  students,  and  receiving  contribu- 
tions to  any  other  object  connected  with  the  University. 

Pledges  were  immediately  made  by  individuals,  secur- 
ing for  five  years  the  annual  payment  of  about  $700;  a  new 
fund  of  $4,000  was- appropriated  to  the  chair  to  serve  as  a 
nucleus  of  the  future  endowment,  the  income  of  which 
when  invested,  will  make  the  amount  already  secured  for 
salary  about  $1,000.  It  is  confidently  hoped  that  in  this 
way  the  payment  of  salary  is  jjlaced  beyond  contingency. 

The  committee  indulge  the  earnest  hope  that  you  will 
accei^t  the  position  tendered,  and  thus  gratify  the  wish  of 
the  great  body  of  Baptists  in  the  State  to  have  you  iden- 
tified with  them  in  their  educational  enterprise. 
Fraternally  yours, 

James  G.  Ryals, 
J.  H.  DeVotie, 

H.  C  HORNADY, 

J.  G.  Gibson, 
E.  W.  Warren, 

Committee." 

The  following  is  also  of  interest  in  this  con- 
nection, because  Rev.  J.  H.  Campbell,  the  father 
of  the  author  of  this  letter  was  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  Mercer  University  that 
expelled  Dr.  Mell  from  position  in  the  Institution 
in  1855,  and  took  a  very  active  part  in  accom- 
plishing this  most  unfortunate  object.  For  many 
years  thereafter  the  old  gentleman  had  earnestly 
opposed  Dr.  Mell  in  his  efforts  to  establish  him- 
self with  the  Baptists  of  the  State. 

"Columbus,  Ga.,  June  29th,  1882. 
Dear  Brother  Mell: 

In  spite  of  the  opposition  of  some  of  us,  on 
grounds  of  present  expediency,  the  Trustees  of  Mercer 


ELECTION  AS  PROFESSOR  OF  THEOLOGY.    209 

resolved  yesterday,  by  a  large  majority,  to  reestablish  the 
Theological  Chair  at  once.  To  the  Professor  elect  to  that 
position  I  am  so  far  to  being  opposed,  that  this  writing  is 
to  express  my  earnest  desire  that  he  will  accept  the  office, 
and  to  assure  him  of  my^ordial  support  of  the  professor- 
ship and  the  Professor.  My  father  also,  on  account  of 
whose  sickness  I  was  summoned  home  by  telegraph  to- 
night, requests  me  to  say  that  if  he  were  on  the  Board  he 
would  have  voted  for  you,  and  now  joins  me  in  the  above 
request  for  your  most  favorable  consideration  of  the 
matter. 

The  financial  condition  and  outlook  of  Mercer  are  de- 
cidedly encouraging  as  compared  with  latter  years.  Most 
of  the  Trustees  seem  confident  there  will  be  no  lack 
of  funds  for  the  payment  of  your  salary  in  the  position 
tendered  you. 

Very  respectfully  and  truly 
Your  brother, 

A.  B.  Campbell." 

The  action  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Mercer 
and  the  above  letter  from  Rev.  A.  B.  Campbell 
were  very  gratifying  to  Dr.  Mell  because  he  felt 
that  the  injustice  of  1855  was  partially  rectified 
even  after  long  years  of  waiting.  He  deemed  it 
best  however,  to  decline  the  call  to  the  Theolog- 
ical Chair  in  Mercer  for  the  reasons  assigned  in 
the  following  reply  to  the  committee  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees: 

"Athens,  Ga.,  July  6th,  1882. 
Dear  Brethren: 

Your  letter  of  the  30th  ultimo  informing  me 
that  the  Trustees  of  Mercer  University  had  elected  me 
to  the  reorganized  Chair  of  Theology  in  that  Institution, 
profoundly  touched  my  feelings.  As  an  original  propo- 
sition, no  work  would  be  more  congenial  to  me  than  that 

14 


210  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

pertaining  to  a  Theological  Chair;  and  this  expression  of 
confidence  and  appreciation  by  my  own  people  excites 
lively  feelings  of  satisfaction.  But  previous  engagements 
not  uncongenial,  and,  in  a  measure,  binding,  and  the  fact 
that  the  salary  offered  even  gua^*anteed  by  endowment, 
would  not  be  sufficient  to  support  my  large  and  expensive 
family,  require  me  to  respectfully  decline  the  position  so 
flatteringly  tendered  me. 

It  will  give  me  the  greatest  pleasure  by  word  and  deed 
to  assist  you  so  far  as  I  can,  towards  the  adequate  endow- 
ment of  the  proposed  reorganized  Chair  of  Theology. 

Thanking  you,  brethren,  for  the  kind  terms  in  which 
you  have  conveyed  to  me  the  action  of  the  Board,  I  sub- 
scribe myself 

Yours  truly  and  fraternally, 

P.  H.  Mell." 

In  writing  to  Dr.  M.  B.  Wharton  in  1881,  who 
had  urged  him  to  permit  his  name  to  go  before 
the  Board,  provided  this  chair  was  established, 
he  makes  the  following  statement: 

"I  have  a  large  and  expensive  family.  In  my  present 
position  I  receive  $3,000,  payable  quarterly,  and  the 
stately  and  convenient  house  I  live  in,  free  of  I'ent.  My 
salary  is  virtually  $3,600  per  year.  The  position  I  occupy 
is  one  of  the  highest  honor,  influence  and  usefulness;  and 
I  am  most  happy  in  it.  I  am  held  in  all  the  consideration 
I  deserve  or  ask,  by  Trustees,  Faculty,  students  and  peo- 
ple. All  parties  co-operate  with  me,  and  strive  to  make 
me  happy  and  successful.  Were  my  people  (the  Baptists) 
united  on  me,  and  did  they  have  already  an  endowed 
Chair  of  Theology  with  ample  resources,  and  did  they 
compete  with  the  parties  here  for  my  services,  offering 
equivalent  pecuniary  inducements,  my  preference  to  be  a 
teacher  of  theology  and  to  labor  with  my  own  people 
would  soon  decide  the  question.  But  these  are  not  the 
facts.     The  Baptists  have  no  endowed  Chair  of  Theology 


ELECTION  AS  PROFESSOR  OP  THEOLOGY.    211 

which  they  could  offer  to  anybody.  Then,  again,  even  if 
they  had,  the  representatives  of  my  peojjle  could  not  be 
brought  to  agree  unanimously  to  offer  it  to  me.  Twenty- 
six  years  ago  they  expelled  me  from  such  service — i.e.,  as 
a  Teacher  in  their  Institution,  and  those  who  were  promi- 
nent in  that  act  are  still  leading  spirits  in  the  present 
management  of  the  Institution.  While  these  are  very 
kind  in  their  personal  relations  with  me,  your  letter 
shows  you  infer  that  they  are  not  prepared  to  favor  the 
object  you  have  in  view.  You  see,  then  the  impossibility 
connected  with  the  attempt  to  answer  your  questions. 

1.  The  proposition  implies  that  I  must  be  virtually  a 
candidate  for  position  in  Mercer  University,  though  I 
had  been  ignominiously  expelled  from  it. 

2.  That  I  must  immediately  vacate  my  position  here 
before  another  is  provided  for  me  at  the  other  Institu- 
tion;  for 

3.  It  contains  the  idea  that  funds  are  to  be  solicited  on 
the  ground  that  I  agree  to  accept  provided  the  endow- 
ment is  raised — and  personal  dignity  and  personal  safety 
would  require  I  make  my  resignation  here  simultaneous 
with  that  announcement.     Finally, 

4.  Such  an  implied  pledge  by  me  would  virtually  bind 
me  to  accept  the  position  whether  the  endowment  was 
raised  or  not,  or  else  keep  me  indefinitely  out  of  employ- 
ment, and  consequently  without  the  means  of  support  for 
my  large  and  expensive  family.  The  fact  is  you  are  not 
in  a  condition  to  put  the  question  to  me,  and  it  is  evident 
I  am  not  in  a  condition  to  answer  it." 


The  news  that  he  had  been  elected  to  the  Chair 
of  Theology  in  Mercer  University  had  gone  over 
the  entire  State  and  letters  came  from  every 
quarter — some  from  the  friends  of  Mercer  urging 
Dr.  Mell  to  accept  the  position,  and  others  from 
the  friends  of  the  State  University  requesting 


212  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

him  to  decline  the  call,  for  the  sake  of  the  wel- 
fare of  the  University. 

He  would  have  been  greatly  pleased  if  it  had 
been  within  his  power  to  accept  the  Chair  of 
Theology  in  Mercer  University,  because  he  loved 
to  preach  to  young  men  the  truths  of  the  Bible, 
and  he  availed  himself  of  many  opportunities  to 
profess  before  them  the  great  love  he  bore  his 
Master.  During  his  administration  as  Chancel- 
lor of  the  University  of  Georgia  he  lectured  each 
Sunday  afternoon  before  the  young  men,  and 
these  discourses  were  marked  for  their  logical 
force  and  for  language  so  clear,  striking  and  in- 
teresting that  they  made  a  deep  impression  upon 
the  minds  of  his  hearers. 

As  the  years  gathered  around  him  his  faith  in 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  became  stronger,  and  his 
sermons  were  remarkable  for  the  clear  light  they 
shed  upon  the  subject  of  the  Atonement.  His 
sermons  always  held  the  profound  attention  of 
his  audiences.  The  deep  earnestness  of  the  man 
as  the  clear,  forcible  sentences  fell  from  his  lips, 
always  carried  conviction;  and  his  utterances 
elicited  the  highest  praise  and  admiration  from 
those  of  his  brethren  who  were  well  qualified  to 
appreciate  work  of  a  high  order  of  merit.  Many 
of  his  discourses  have  been  requested  for  publi- 
cation by  the  Conventions  and  Associations  be- 
fore which  they  were  delivered. 

The  following  newspaper  extract,  describing 


ELECTION  AS  PROFESSOR  OF  THEOLOGY.    213 

a  sermon  preached  by  him  during  the  session  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  in  1880,  is 
given  as  an  example  of  the  effect  his  style 
produced  upon  his  hearers.  It  is  one  among 
many  similar  articles  giving  praise  to  his  clear, 
logical,  tender,  simple,  rich  presentation  of  the 
gospel. 

"Lexington,  Ky.,  May  7th. 

The  old  Empire  State  must  have  felt  her  ears  burn  to- 
ri ig-ht,  for  hundreds  of  people  at  Lexington  ai'e  saying  good 
things  about  her.  The  Rev.  Dr.  P.  H.  Mell,  who  we  this 
morning  elected  President  of  the  Convention,  preached  to- 
night the  introductory  sermon.  To  the  astonishment  and 
delight  of  the  immense  audience  gathered  from  seventeen 
or  eighteen  States,  the  text  was  one  of  those  passages 
called  by  Martin  Luther  little  Bibles,  'God  so  loved  the 
world  that  He  gave  His  only  begotten  son,  that  whoso- 
ever believeth  in  Him  might  not  perish,  but  have  ever- 
lasting life.'  The  grand  idea  of  the  sermon  is  compressed 
in  the  single  prose  quotation  taken  outside  the  Bible: 
'The  four  manifestations  of  Christ  in  the  New  Testament 
are,  Christ  manifested  for  us;  Christ  manifested  in  us, 
Christ  manifested  by  us,  and  Christ  manifested  with  us.' 
The  simplicity,  the  crystal  clearness,  the  tender  and  in- 
describable grace  of  manner,  and  the  unaffected  sincerity 
that  must  have  been  marked  by  all  present,  made  this 
one  of  the  noblest  efforts  ever  put  forth  by  a  son  of 
Georgia.  This  is  high  praise,  doubtless,  but  it  is  every 
whit  true  and  needs  no  abatement. 

There  he  stood  before  the  great  throng,  and  his  tall 
form  seemed  clothed  about  with  dignity  and  majesty, 
while  his  silvered  beard  and  hair  seemed  in  the  brilliant 
light,  heaven's  glistening  token  of  Christ's  embassador 
praying  men  in  Christ's  stead  to  be  reconciled  to  God. 

There  he  stood,  telling  'witliout  money  and  without 
price'  and  'in  words  as  sweet  as  those  that  angels  use,'  to 


214  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

a  vast  audience  that  listened  breathless  to  his  every 
utterance,  the  answer  to  the  old  and  tremendous  ques- 
tion, 'What  must  I  do  to  be  saved?' 

At  the  self-same  hour  in  Louisville,  and  likewise  to  a 
crowded  house,  but  to  one  that  had  left  for  him  many 
hundred  dollars  at  the  door,  'the  champion  plagiarist  of 
the  nineteenth  century'  was  giving  a  false  answer  to  the 
same  question,  such  an  one  as  make  the  perjurer,  the 
blasphemer,  the  gambler,  the  adulterer  and  seducer, 
bless  him  from  unclean  hearts  and  with  polluted  lips  to 
which  naught  is  sacred,  in  the  heaven  above  or  in  the 
earth  beneath. 

Who  can  contrast  the  two  scenes  without  recalling  the 
invitation  and  the  question  of  Isaiah,  spoken  thousands 
of  years  ago,  'Ho,  everyone  that  thirsteth,  come  ye 
to  the  waters;  and  he  that  hath  no  money,  come  ye,  buy 
and  eat;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  money 
and  without  price.  Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money  for 
that  which  is  not  bread,  and  your  labor  for  that  which 
satisfieth  not?' 

After  dismission  many  crowded  around  the  preacher  to 
express  their  gratitude,  and  turned  from  him  to  clasp  the 
hands  of  their  unknown  fellow  Christians,  waiving  for 
the  first  time,  all  necessity  for  formal  introduction.  A 
minister  present  expressed  what  all  felt:  'Oh,  how  this 
sermon  makes  us  all  love  one  another.'  " 


THE  TECHNOLOGICAL  SCHOOL.      215 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

EFFORTS  TOWARDS  COMPLETIN'O  THE  TECHNO- 
LOGICAL  SCHOOL   AS   A   DEPARTMENT   OF 
THE   UNIVERSITY   OF   GEORGIA. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
University  of  Georgia  in  1882,  Ciiancellor  Mell, 
in  his  annual  report,  urged  the  completion  of  the 
Technological  School  as  a  Department  of  the 
University  of  Georgia,  in  order  to  finish  the  or- 
ganization of  the  State  College  of  Agriculture 
and  the  Mechanic  Arts.  He  pointed  out  to  them 
that  they  had  already  four  departments  of  the 
Technological  School  at  Athens,  well  equipped 
with  laboratories  for  practical  instruction.  All 
that  was  needed  to  make  the  college  comply  with 
the  United  States  law,  therefore,  was  a  Mechan- 
ical  Department,  where  practical  work  in  wood 
and  iron  could  be  carried  on  under  the  direction 
of  a  master  mechanic 

The  Trustees  heartily  approved  of  the  plans 
submitted  by  the  Chancellor,  and  they  instructed 
him  to  bring  the  subject  before  the  Governor  and 
the  Legislature  and  ask  for  a  sufficient  appropria- 
tion with  which  to  purchase  the  necessary  ma- 
chinery and  outfit  for  the  Mechanical  Laboratory. 
In  compliance  with  this  request  he  addressed  a 


216  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

communication  to  Governor  Colquitt  and  peti- 
tioned him  to  urge  the  Legislature  to  make  the 
appropriation.  This  the  Governo;:  did  in  his 
annual  report;  but  the  State  Treasury  not  being 
in  a  condition  to  warrant  the  outlay  that  year,  the 
Legislature  failed  to  act  favorably  on  the  bill. 

In  July,  1883,  the  subject  was  again  introduced 
before  the  Board  of  Trustees  in  the  annual  re- 
port of  the  Chancellor,  and,  on  motion  of  Col. 
Billups,  it  was 

"Resolved,  That  so  much  of  the  Chancellor's  report  as 
relates  to  the  School  of  Technology,  and  auch  elaboration 
of  that  subject  as  he  may  deem  advisable,  be  furnished 
the  Atlanta  Constitution  for  publication  at  once." 

This  was  done  and  the  extract  appeared  in  the 
paper  the  next  day. 

Again,  in  July,  1884,  he  brought  the  subject 
before  the  Board  and  urged  them  to  take  decided 
steps  in  getting  the  Legislature  to  supply  the 
money  needed  to  enable  them  to  establish  the 
School  of  Technology.  In  response  to  this  they 
passed  the  following: 

"In  relation  to  the  School  of  Technology  we  can  only 
repeat  the  recommendation  of  the  Board,  and  urge  the 
committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  General  Assemlby.  to 
present  to  that  body  the  advantages  possessed  by  this 
University  as  a  location  for  the  School,  and  urge  the 
appropriation  of  such  amount  as  will  establish  and  equip 
such  a  school  as  a  part  of  the  University  where  the  State 
has  buildings." 


THE  TECHNOLOGICAL  SCHOOL.  217 

It  will  be  noticed  from  all  these  facts  thus 
related,  that  Dr.  Mell  was  the  first  to  agitate  the 
opening  of  \yorkshops  in  connection  with  the 
University,  some  years  even,  before  the  Harris 
bill  was  introduced  in  the  Legislature.  After 
the  passage  of  Mr.  Harris'  bill.  Dr.  Mell  used 
every  legitimate  influence  to  have  the  Techno- 
logical School  located  at  Athens.  And  when  he 
failed  to  accomplish  this  purpose  he  said  to  the 
writer,  "the  University  has  been  given  a  mortal 
wound."  He  asserted  that  the  effort  would  be 
made  very  soon  to  remove  the  Agricultural  and 
Chemical  Departments  from  Athens,  and  the 
noble  *old  Institution  would  then  be  remanded 
back  to  Franklin  College,  as  it  was  in  1857.  He 
did  not  live  to  see  the  fulfillment  of  this  predic- 
tion, but  part  of  it  has  come  to  pass  in  the  loca- 
tion of  the  Experiment  Station  at  Griffin. 


218  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

COLLEGE   GOVERNMENT. 

Dr.  Mell  had  a  wonderful  power  in  winning 
the  hearts  of  the  students  and  most  of  them  loved 
him.  His  whole  theory  of  college  government, 
so  far  as  it  related  to  the  controrof  the  pupil, 
was  based  on  this  power.  He  used  to  say  that  it 
was  barbarous  to  make  boys  obey  through  fear, 
and  that  the  man  who  could  not  control  them  by 
kind  treatment  and  affection,  but  rather  had  to 
resort  to  harsh  measures,  was  not  competent  to 
be  placed  in  charge  of  a  great  University.  He 
said  that  most  young  men  who  came  to  college 
had  the  instincts  of  the  gentleman  in  them  and 
should  be  treated  as  such;  and  his  experience 
was  that  where  the  boys  were  so  treated  they 
were  prompt  to  respond  in  like  manner.  The 
boy  should  be  taught  to  do  right,  not  because  he 
feared  the  consequences  of  doing  wrong,  but  be- 
cause he  loved  to  do  right;  and  the  teacher  must 
be  obeyed  not  because  the  pupil  feared  his  anger 
but  because  the  pupil  loved  the  teacher  and 
found  great  pleasure  in  obeying  him. 

This  was  the  principle  ujDon  which  he  based 
his  government,  and  acting  upon  it  he  mingled 
with  the  boys  as  much  as  possible,  entered  into 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  219 

-all  their  plans,  was  their  friend  and  adviser, 
looking  after  their  interests,  protecting  their 
rights,  seeing  to  their  comforts,  admonishing, 
rebuking,  encouraging,  guiding,  always  firm, 
courteous  and  gentle,  but  at  the  same  time  the 
master  hand  that  shaped,  controlled  and  blessed 
their  lives. 

In  his  long  career  of  nearly  sixty  years  as  a 
teacher,  thousands  of  young  men  have  been 
educated  under  him.  They  are  scattered  far  and 
wide  all  over  the  United  States,  and  from  all 
quarters  come  expressions  of  admiration  and 
respect.  A  few  tributes  from  the  number  have 
been  selected  to  show  the  impression  he  made 
upon  his  pupils. 

"The  boys  loved  him  because  of  his  gentleness  and 
strength.  Nothing  could  break  his  will  when  once  made 
up;  but  his  decisions  were  never  hasty  and  his  dealings 
were  all  devoid  of  prejudice  and  partiality.  He  was  a 
leader  of  men.  The  discipline  of  the  University,  as  be- 
fitted an  institution  of  its  breadth  and  design,  was  never 
close  or  inquisitorial,  but  the  Chancellor's  command  of 
the  boys  was  perfect,  and  when  he  showed  his  authority, 
on  proper  occasions,  his  wisdom  and  firmness  were  be- 
yond question.  Whenever  a  student  knew  Dr.  Mell  he 
loved  him,  and  there  are  thousands  of  Georgians  to-day 
who  hear  with  sorrowful  hearts  of  his  decease."  (Edito- 
rial in  Augusta  Chronicle.) 

"His  government  of  young  men  was  based  upon  self- 
respect  and  obedience  to  authority.  He  held  it  funda- 
mental that  if  an  Institution  could  not  ennoble  and  better 
the  student,  it  had  no  right  to  disgrace  him.  While  he 
enforced  the  penalty  of  disobedience  when  the  offense  was 


220  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

aggravated,  he  refused  to  expel;  but  had  the  parent,  at 
an  opportune  time,  to  withdraw  the  student  from  college. 
The  consequence  has  been  that  among  the  young  men 
who  attended  the  University  no  professor  or  chancellor 
had  probably  so  justly  deserved  and  won  the  popularity 
and  respect  of  the  students.  And  in  this  broad  common- 
wealth, when  the  sad  intelligence  of  his  death  is  con- 
veyed to  those  who  knew  and  loved  him,  tribute  will  be 
offered  to  the  many  virtues  of  the  distinguished  dead." 
(Charles  Z.  McCord.) 

"I  atn  deeply  grieved  at  the  news  of  his  death.  I  sat 
under  him  as  professor  during  my  three  years  at  the  Uni- 
versity, and  learned  to  love  him  then.  Since  that  time  I 
have  been  closely  associated  with  him  as  trustee,  and 
have  never  known  a  more  admirable  man."  (Henry  W. 
Grady.) 

"He  was  a  perfect  gentleman,  in  the  highest  sense  of 
that  term.  There  was  no  kind  of  force  used  by  him  in 
the  government  and  control  of  students,  except  that  which 
might  be  called  in  the  strictest  sense  of  the  term,  moral 
force.  It  operated  alone  on  the  gentlemanly  instincts  of 
the  students,  and  so  great  was  its  influence  that  during 
the  two  and  a  half  years  I  spent  under  his  tuition  I  never 
knew  or  heard  of  anyone,  even  the  worst,  who  did  not» 
yield  to  it."     (Judge  W.  R.  Hammond.) 

"If,  as  Pope  says,  the  proper  study  of  mankind  is  man, 
what  a  rich  volume  we  have  before  us. 

Dr.  Mell's  house  was  always  open  to  the  boys  who  were 
away  from  paternal  influence.  The  first  time  that  ever 
the  speaker  saw  Dr.  Mell  was  in  the  little  college  chapel 
at  Athens,  when  he  read  the  19th  Psalm,  and  closed  his 
prayer  With  the  last  words  of  that  sweet  poem:  'Let  the 
words  of  my  mouth  and  the  meditations  of  my  heart  be 
acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  my  strength  and  my 
Redeemer.'  It  seemed  to  me  ever  afterwards  to  be  the 
motto  of  his  character,  the  watchword  of  his  life.  No 
prayer  did  he  pray  but  was  ojiened  or  closed  with  it. 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  221 

Whenever  I  saw  Dr.  Mell  it  seemed  to  be  written  in  his 
face,  and  when  I  heard  his  voice,  those  sentiments,  in 
imagination,  glowed  out  as  a  part  of  his  very  breath.  It 
has  always  been  as  if  that  verse  was  peculiarly  his  own. 
His  thoughts  and  all  bore  the  impress  of  that  prayer  of 
the  Psalmist. 

Whatever  professor  might  be  the  especial  favorite  with 
a  student,  every  one  looked  up  to  Dr.  Mell  as  the  strong 
character  of  the  faculty,  as  the  embodiment  of  honor,  as 
the  self-possessed  and  courageous  exemplar  for  every  stu- 
dent, the  kind  and  considerate  friend,  the  ever  ready  and 
watchful  moral  nature  to  infuse  itself  into  every  boy's 
heart  and  make  it  feel  that  nobility  of  character  that  so 
exemplified  itself  in  him. 

No  harsh  words  fell  from  his  lips,  no  dogmatism,  no 
overbearing  displayed  itself  towards  those  under  him, 
but  he  was  always  the  same  modest,  courteous  gentleman 
that  treated  the  young  gentlemen,  as  he  called  them, 
with  loving  consideration  and  polite  equality.  You  could 
not  see  him  without  noticing  that  he  was  a  timid  man. 
You  could  not  be  with  him  without  feeling  that  he  was 
eminently  a  brave  man.  There  was  a  bravery  in  his 
timidity,  but  thei-e  was  no  timidity  in  his  bravery. 

Given  as  his  life  had  been  to  the  training  of  the  young, 
he  had  thoroughly  learned  to  respect  them,  which  in 
itself  would  have  commanded  a  high  respect  in  return. 
Had  the  thought  of  attempting  any  prank  or  indiscretion 
on  him  entered  into  the  breast  of  a  single  boy  it  would 
have  found  no  lodgment,  for  the  soul  of  each  one  would 
have  rebelled  against  such  action  on  its  part  as  being  the 
basest  ingratitude. 

As  gentle  as  a  woman,  he  inspired  a  chivalric  respect 
from  every  young  man.  As  brave  as  was  ever  plumed 
knight,  he  excited  unbounded  admiration.  Cool  and  de- 
liberate, yet  full  of  order.  Relishing  keen  thrusts  of  wit, 
he  was  always  considerate  of  the  feelings  of  others. 

His  character  was  made  up  of  virtues  that  contrasted, 
but  did  not  conflict.  It  was  a  positive  character  which 
you  felt  to  be  great,  and  it  unconsciously  burned  its  im- 


222  LIFE  OP  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

press  on  all  he  taught.  And  how  many  have  they  been? 
Foi"  over  fifty  years  has  he  taught — thirteen,  a  professor 
in  Mercer,  and  thirty-two  in  the  State  University — ten  of 
which  he  was  its  honored  chancellor.  Oh,  what  an  occu- 
pation and  profession!  The  noblest  calling  of  man  or 
woman."    (Captain  J.  L.  Hardeman.) 

"After  all,  his  fame  will  rest  securest  upon  his  wonder- 
ful success  as  an  educator  of  the  young  men  of  the  South. 
All  over  the  land,  hundreds  of  the  foremost  young  people 
of  Georgia,  when  the  news  of  his  death  goes  out,  will  feel 
for  a  time  his  loss,  almost  as  that  of  a  father.  He  de- 
lighted to  call  them  'his  boys'  in  the  familiar  talks  he 
often  had  concerning  them — illustrating,  as  he  felt  they 
did  in  their  successes,  his  own  careful  training.  The 
blood  of  the  University  flowed  from  his  veins  into  the 
frame  of  these,  'his  sons,'  and  no  one  felt  prouder  of  their 
achievements  than  he,  or  gave  kindlier  advice  or  sym- 
pathy in  the  days  of  adversity. 

His  government  of  young  men  was  unique  and  without 
a  parallel.  There  was  no  threat  of  violence — no  remon- 
strance^only  the  expression  of  a  desire  of  co-operation 
on  the  part  of  the  students  in  the  government  of  the 
Institution,  nevertheless  evei'y  member  of  the  classes 
knew  that  beneath  the  soft  velvet  of  his  words  and  man- 
ner was  the  iron  will  of  the  governor,  the  strong,  intense 
and  overmastering  spirit  of  the  man,  that  compelled 
obedience. 

He  walked  among  us  as  one  born  to  rule,  and  to  the 
recognition  of  this  fact  was  due  the  ease  with  which  he 
held  vast  parliamentary  bodies  in  check,  and  carried  thein 
through  the  most  trying  emergencies  of  legislation  and 
business.  No  oi'der  was  equal  to  that  kept  in  his  I'ecita- 
tion  room.  Large  classes  of  young  men — often  with 
members  fiery  and  rebellious — were  controlled  by  him 
without  any  apparent  effort.  The  young  men  themselves 
were  scarcely  aware  of  the  intense  power  that  held  sway 
over  them.  He  was  not  stern;  on  the  contrary  his  man- 
ner invited  confidence,  and  he  became  the  trusted  friend 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  223 

of  every  student  in  his  charge.  No  one  was  ever  known 
to  complain  against  him  of  injustice.  He  moved  steadily 
forward,  convincing  the  judgment  and  commanding  the 
affections  of  the  students,  as  the  basis  of  obedience. 

He  carried  this  method  into  the  government  of  his  own 
family,  which  was  a  large  one.  Those  who  have  seen  him 
at  home  can  testify  to  the  respect  and  veneration  shown 
towards  him  by  his  children.  There  was  never  a  kinder 
father,  and  yet  never  one  whose  word  was  received  with 
less  hesitation,  as  unquestioned  law.  To  one,  inquiring 
his  method  of  training  in  this  regard,  he  replied:  'I  have 
taught  my  children  to  respect  my  wishes.  They  obey 
me  first  because  I  willed  it;  now,  they  obey  because  they 
love  and  wish  to  please  me.'  He  has  made  no  mistake  in 
this  particular.  He  knew  his  childi'en  as  he  knew  men — 
intuitively,  and  he  adopted  his  coui-se  accordingly," 
(Editorial  in  Macon  Telegraph.) 

Many  amusing  and  interesting  incidents  oc- 
curred during  his  connection  with  the  University 
that  serve  to  illustrate  his  watchfulness  for  the 
student's  welfare,  and  how  his  complete  control 
over  them  enabled  him  to  bring  order  out  of  dis- 
order, with  an  apparent  ease  that  was  astonish- 
ing, and  with  a  simplicity  of  manner  and  absence 
of  all  rigid  formality  that  won  the  admiration  of 
the  students. 

Just  after  the  war  and  at  the  close  of  the  sec- 
ond session,  (I  think  it  was  in  1866  or  1867),  the 
negroes  attempted  to  take  possession  of  the 
University  for  the  purpose,  as  they  alleged,  of 
sending  their  sons  to  college.  They  kept  their 
intentions  secret  until  the  night  of  the  attack. 
The  final  examinations  were  in   progress   and 


224  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

many  of  the  students  were  up  late,  on  the 
night  in  question,  preparing  for  them.  Just 
after  midnight,  one  of  the  boys,  while  passing 
through  the  campus  from  town,  saw  a  large 
crowd  of  negroes  on  the  street  in  front  of  the 
campus  armed  with  every  weapon  imaginable. 
He  carefully  approached  them  and  learned  from 
what  they  said  that  they  were  going  to  storm  the 
college  buildings  where  the  boys  were  rooming. 
As  quickly  as  possible  he  gave  the  alarm,  and  in 
a  very  short  time  all  the  students,  most  of  whom 
had  been  Confederate  soldiers,  were  assembled 
on  the  campus.  They  ordered  the  negroes  to 
disperse  or  they  would  fire  into  them.  The 
negroes  knew,  however,  they  outnumbered  the 
boys  three  or  four  to  one  and  they  determined  to 
push  their  advantage  and  enter  into  a  contest  for 
the  possession  of  the  University  property.  All 
this  trouble  occurred  within  one  hundred  yards 
of  Dr.  MelFs  residence,  and  he  was  soon  in- 
formed of  the  condition  of  affairs.  Hurrying 
out  among  the  boys  he  told  them  to  stand  firm, 
but  not  to  fire  a  single  shot  until  he  gave  the 
command.  He  informed  them  it  would  be  best 
for  the  University,  on  account  of  the  unsettled 
condition  of  the  country,  to  drive  the  negroes 
off  without  bloodshed,  if  possible,  but  if  that 
could  not  be  done  they  would  drive  them  off  at 
all  hazards.  The  boys  consented  to  submit  to 
Dr.  Mell's  guidance,  and  he  came  out  in  view  of 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  225 

the  negroes  and  demanded  the  cause  of  the  dis- 
turbance. Being  informed  that  they  wished  to 
have  the  same  privileges  extended  their  people 
that  were  enjoyed  by  the  white  people  in  the 
University,  and  that  they  would  not  leave  the 
campus  until  they  were  assured  that  this  demand 
would  be  granted,  Dr.  Mell  said,  '  'Your  demand 
will  not  be  respected,  because  this  is  the  white 
man's  college,  and  you  are  perfectly  powerless 
to  help  yourselves.  You  are  now  surrounded  by 
armed  and  determined  men  who  are  only  waiting 
for  my  orders  to  fire  into  you  on  every  side.  If 
you  will  quietly  disperse  and  go  to  your  homes 
you  will  not  be  hurt;  if  you  refuse,  I  will  com- 
mand these  men  to  fire  and  not  one  of  you  will 
leave  this  campus  alive."  This  was  literally 
true.  The  alarm  had  been  sounded  throughout 
the  town  and  the  people  were  coming  into  the 
campus  from  all  directions.  The  negroes  finding 
themselves  surrounded  and  their  cause  utterly 
hopeless  decided  to  withdraw.  This  they  were 
permitted  to  do  by  Dr.  Mell's  advice,  without  a 
single  gun  being  fired,  although  the  students  and 
citizens  were  greatly  incensed. 

In  illustration  of  his  justice  towards  the  stu- 
dents the  following  incident  is  related.  One  of 
the  young  men  from  a  neighboring  city  got  into 
serious  trouble  that  caused  his  temporary  sus- 
pension from  the  University.  His  father  came  to 
Athens  to  examine  into  the  causes  that  resulted  in 

15 


226  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

his  son's  suspension,  and  calling  on  the  Chancel- 
lor he  asked  for  the  particulars  of  the  affair.  But 
Dr.  Mell  refused  to  utter  a  word  in  regard  to  the 
matter  until  the  young  man  was  brought,  declar- 
ing that  he  must  have  the  privilege  of  defending 
himself. 

Very  soon  after  he  became  Chancellor  the 
students  were  excited  to  the  highest  pitch  of  in- 
dignation by  the  murder  of  young  Walter  Round- 
tree  by  a  negro.  It  was  feared  the  boys  would 
take  the  law  into  their  own  hands,  and  a  general 
race  riot  would  ensue,  for  the  negroes  were  de- 
termined to  protect  the  murderer.  Dr.  Mell 
quickly  took  charge  of  the  situation  and  by  his 
wise  and  skillful  management  restrained  the 
young  men.  The  press  of  the  State  commended 
his  action  in  the  highest  terms. 

,  "Chancellor  Mell  talked  to  them,  and  the  boys  loved 
and  heeded  the  advice  of  this  great  and  good  man. 
Wednesday  night,  when  our  town  was  wild  with  excite- 
ment, not  a  student  could  be  seen  on  the  streets — they  had 
quietly  returned  to  their  rooms,  there  to  await  the  events 
of  the  night."     (Athens  Chronicle.) 

"Chancellor  Mell  has  signally  demonstrated  his  capac- 
ity and  ability  to  govern  youn^  men  in  the  most  trying 
circumstances.  In  this  he  has  served  the  State  and  the 
cause  of  the  Institution  over  which  he  worthily  presides." 
{Atlanta  Constitution.) 

"Chancellor  Mell,  on  the  night  of  the  murder,  remarked 
to  Mr.  Davis,  chief  of  police:  'You  need  have  no  fear  of 
trouble  from  my  boys.  I  have  talked  lo  them  and  they 
will  heed  my  advice.     They  will  retire  to  their  rooms  to- 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  227 

night,  and  if  their  sei-vices  are  needed  to  preserve  the 
l^w,  they  will  march  to  your  call  as  one  man — and  I  will 
be  at  their  head.'  Happily  no  call  was  made  on  them, 
and  Athens  is  to-day  as  quiet  and  peaceful  a  city  as  there 
is  in  Georgia."     (Augusta  Chronicle.) 

Dr.  Mell  had  a  keen  sense  of  the  ludicrous  and 
it  was  frequently  gratified  in  his  dealings  with 
the  students,  although  his  patience  was  equally 
severely  tried  at  times,  as  the  following  experi- 
ence will  testify. 

Some  time  in  the  year  1886  he  was  consider- 
ably annoyed  by  the  loud  and  boisterous  singing 
and  laughter  at  the  Summey  House,  (or  "Yahoo 
Hall,"  as  the  students  termed  this  boarding 
house),  just  in  front  of  the  Chancellor's  residence. 
A  detachment  of  the  Salvation  Army  had  re- 
cently come  to  Athens,  and  their  peculiar  way  of 
conducting  worship  attracted  the  boys,  and  as  a 
result  there  were  several  mock  Salvation  Armies 
among  the  students,  with  headquarters  at  the 
Summey  House.'  A  favorite  song  of  the  Army 
was  called  "Wake  up  the  dead,"  and  the  college^ 
boys,  of  course,  adopted  it  at  once,  and  when 
they  got  together  they  sang  it  loud  enough  to- 
literally  wake  up  the  dead,  if  such  a  thing  were 
possible.  As  the  regular  Army  accompanied 
their  songs  with  the  tambourines,  drum,  horn, 
shouting,  clapping  of  hands,  etc. ,  so  the  college 
boys  did  also,  and  when  it  was  not  convenient  to 
beat  tambourines  they  substituted  tin  pans  and 


228  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MEL,L. 

anything  else  they  could  find  that  would  make  a 
noise.  One  night  the  Summey  House  "Salvation 
Army"  were  making  such  an  infernal  din  that 
Dr.  Mell  went  over  to  see  what  was  the  matter. 
He  found  several  boys  collected  around  a  young 
fellow  who  had  a  piece  of  sheet  iron  that  had 
come  from  the  front  of  some  grate,  beating  it 
with  all  his  might  while  the  crowd  was  singing, 
or  rather  yelling,  '  'Wake  up  the  dead,  wake  up 
the  dead,  God's  going  to  wake  up  the  dead." 
As  Dr.  Mell  reached  the  outskirts  of  the  crowd, 
the  boys  stopped  singing  and  slipped  away  as 
soon  as  they  saw  the  Chancellor,  except  the  boy 
who  was  beating  the  iron.  He  was  making  such 
a  noise  he  did  not  know  he  had  been  deserted 
and  that  the  Chancellor  was  standing  by  him. 
Dr.  Mell  placed  his  hand  on  the  shoulder  of  the 
young  man;  the  noise  ceased  and  the  "musician" 
became  very  much  embarrassed.  The  Doctor, 
however,  in  a  calm  and  serious  manner,  said, 
"My  son,  are  you  beating  that  iron  from  a  sense 
of  duty?"  "O,  no,  Sir,"  replied  the  boy.  "You 
have  no  conscientious  scruples  against  stopping 
it,  have  you?"  "No,  Sir,"  promptly  responded 
the  boy,  greatly  amazed  at  the  questions  asked 
him  by  the  Chancellor.  "Oh,  w^ell,  then,"  said 
the  Doctor,  '  *I  am  so  glad  to  hear  you  say  that, 
because  now  I  will  not  feel  any  delicacy  in  ask- 
ing you  to  stop  it,  when  if  you  were  doing  it  con- 
scientiously,   I   should   have   hesitated."     It   is 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  229 

needless  to  say  that  the  boys  ceased  to  "wake 
up  the  dead"  after  that  conversation. 

At  another  time  a  large  crowd  of  boys  were 
sitting  on  the  chapel  steps,  during  study  hours, 
singing  very  boisterously,  "Nobody  knows  the 
trouble  I  see,  the  trouble  I  see,"  etc.,  w^hen  Dr. 
Mell  stepped  in  their  midst  from  behind  one  of 
the  fluted  columns  and  quietly  remarked:  "Yes, 
gentlemen,  that  expresses  my  feelings  exactly, 
nobody  knows  the  trouble  I  see  when  you  create 
these  disturbances,  and  you  would  confer  a  great 
favor  on  me  if  you  would  co-operate  with  me  to 
stop  them. "     They  co-operated. 

During  the  Chancellor's  absence  in  attendance 
on  the  exercises  of  the  Branch  Colleges  some 
students  succeeded  in  taking  out  the  clapper  of 
the  bell  and  concealing  it.  When  the  Chancellor 
returned  he  found  the  college  authorities,  and 
students  generally,  very  much  embarassed  be- 
cause of  the  silence  of  the  bell  that  had  become 
so  necessary  in  regulating  the  time  of  the  day 
and  in  sounding  the  recitation  periods.  The 
faculty  had  notified  the  students  that  until  the 
clapper  was  returned  no  excuse,  excepting  sick- 
ness, would  be  received  for  tardiness  in  attend- 
ance upon  the  lectures.  Dr.  Mell  began  at  once 
to  put  into  operation  all  his  resources  to  ferret 
out  the  perpetrators  of  the  deed.  He  succeeded, 
after  much  difficulty,  in  reaching  the  belfry  and 
found  on  the  floor  several  screws,  a  screw-driver 


230  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

and  a  piece  of  wire,  all  of  which  were  of  peculiar 
patterns.  He  then  visited  the  hardware  stores  in 
the  town  to  find  if  such  material  could  be  secured 
at  them,  but  failed  to  find  anything  exactly  like 
them.  He  then  visited  each  of  the  University 
Laboratories,  with  the  ostensible  purpose  of 
noticing  the  students'  work,  and  said  nothing  to 
the  professors  concerning  the  real  objects  of  his 
visit.  While  going  through  one  of  these  labora- 
tories he  requested  the  professor  to  show  him 
all  his  facilities  for  work.  In  doing  this  certain 
drawers  were  opened,  in  which  the  Chancellor 
detected  screws  and  wires  exactly  like  those  he 
found  in  the  belfry.  He  asked  the  professor  if 
the  students  had  free  access  to  these  drawers, 
and  being  informed  that  they  did,  he  then  wished 
to  know  how  many  boys  worked  in  this  labora- 
tory and  what  were  their  names.  This  informa- 
tion was  also  furnished  him.  The  young  men — 
about  twenty — consisted  of  some  of  the  best  stu- 
dents in  the  University,  and  none  of  them  had 
been  detected  in  mischief  of  any  kind.  But  he 
was  satisfied  one  or  more  of  these  young  men 
could  tell  him  all  about  the  clapper  extraction 
and  its  location.  Several  of  these  boys  roomed 
in  what  was  termed  the  "Summey  House,"  and 
by  methods  that  he  was  enabled  to  employ,  he 
succeeded  in  reducing  the  number  to  the  five  or 
six  of  the  laboratory  students  rooming  in  this 
building;    and  although  he  strongly  suspected 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.         '  231 

these  boys  the  question  was  still  a  difficult  one 
to  bring  the  proof  to  a  conclusive  settlement. 
Meeting  one  morning  two  of  these  young  men  he 
entered  into  conversation  with  them,  and  just  as 
he  was  about  to  leave  he  took  them  by  the  hands 
and  said:  "Young  gentlemen,  the  Faculty  and 
students  have  been  placed  to  great  inconvenience 
by  the  mischievous  removal  of  the  bell  clapper. 
The  students  of  good  standing,  I  am  sure,  are  as 
anxious  as  the  authorities  to  bring  the  perpe- 
trators to  punishment.  Now  I  have  the  utmost 
confidence  in  you  two,  and  I  am  sure  you  will 
give  me  your  assistance  in  this  matter."  As  the 
Chancellor  said  this  he  looked  the  boys  steadily 
in  the  eyes  and  his  entire  manner  impressed 
them  that  his  confidence  was  not  so  deeply 
rooted  as  his  words  would  imply.  They  at  once 
became  confused  and  greatly  embarrassed,  all  of 
which  he  quietly  noted.  Next  day  his  attention 
was  attracted  by  a  word  let  fall  by  one  of  the 
janitors  in  his  presence,  and  he  immediately  be- 
gan asking  questions  that  elicited  the  informa- 
tion that  the  clapper  was  under  the  mattress  in 
the  room  of  these  young  men  in  whom  he  had  ex- 
pressed such  "confidence"  the  day  before.  The 
negro  boy  had  made  the  discovery  while  making 
up  the  bed.  Dr.  Mell  sent  for  the  boys  at  once 
and  charged  them  with  taking  out  the  clapper. 
They  commenced  to  deny  the  accusation,  but 
Dr.  Mell  stopped  them  immediately  and  said:  "I 


232  ■   LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

know  the  clapper  is  in  your  room,  under  the 
mattress  of  your  bed.  Now  I  trust  you  will  not 
force  me  to  institute  a  search  that  will  be  un- 
pleasant both  to  you  and  to  me.  I  shall  expect 
the  janitor  to  ring  the  bell  to-morrow  morning 
for  prayers,  and  I  am  sure  you  will  aid  in  the 
accomplishment  of  this  wish  of  mine.  You  can 
place  the  clapper  in  the  hands  of  the  janitor,  or, 
in  your  own  way,  return  it  to  its  place  in  the 
bell  as  you  found  it."  It  is  needless  to  say  that 
the  bell  pealed  forth  its  welcome  sound  next 
morning  as  though  nothing  had  ever  happened 
to  it.  The  sound  had  scarcely  died  away  before 
there  was  a  shout  from  the  combined  throats  of 
students  and  citizens,  testifying  to  their  gratifi- 
cation at  the  sound. 

When  Mr.  Cleveland  was  elected  the  first 
term,  and  on  the  night  after  the  election,  when 
the  wires  indicated  such  uncertain  sounds  as  to 
the  results,  the  students  of  the  University  of 
Georgia  concluded  to  have  an  immense  bonfire 
to  commemorate  the  election  of  Mr.  Cleveland. 
All  the  dry  goods  boxes  in  the  town,  as  well  as 
the  empty  barrels  available,  were  carried  to  the 
canipus  after  midnight  and  a  pile  was  made, 
huge  in  proportions.  In  some  way  the  Chancel- 
lor became  aware  of  the  intentions  of  the  stu- 
dents, and,  in  accordance  with  his  usual  custom, 
he  was  in  their  midst  before  they  were  aware  of 
it.    Instead,  however,  of  reprimanding  them  and 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  233 

endeavoring  to  forcibly  stop  the  work  of  prepa- 
ration,  he  quietly  informed  the  boys   that  he 
thought  the  celebration  eminently  proper,  and 
the  cause  righteous,  and  he  would  help  them  get 
the  combustible  material  in  shape  for  the  bon- 
fire.    "But,"  he  said,  "the  election  is  not  yet  de- 
cided, and  I  know  you  boys  do  not  desire  to  cele- 
brate the  defeat  of  the  Democratic  Party.     And 
yet  such  an  accident  would  be  possible  if  the 
brand  was  applied  to  the  pile,  and  while  it  was 
in  flames  the  telegraph  should  announce  that 
Mr.  Cleveland  was  defeated."    He  also  informed 
the  crowd  of  students  gathered  arourfd  the  pile 
of  boxes,  that  the  college  buildings  were  in  great 
danger  if  the  fire  should  be  applied  in  the  pres- 
ent situation,  and,  therefore,  he  proposed  that 
the  boxes  be  removed  to  the  rear  of  the  grounds, 
in  safe  distance  from  the  buildings.  The  students, 
now  feeling  that  the  Chancellor  was  in  full  ac- 
cord with  them  and  the  fire  was  an  assured  thing 
without  violation    of    any   regulation,    readily 
agreed  with  him  that  the  pile  of  combustible  ma- 
terial must  be  removed  to  a  safe  distance,  and 
they  immediately  began  to  demolish  what  they 
had  so  carefully  erected.    But  before  much  of  tho 
material  came  down  the  Chancellor  was  prepared 
with  a  fresh  difdculty.     "Now,"  said  he,  "we  do 
not  wish  to  sit  up  all  night  watching  our  mate- 
rial in  order  to  prevent  any  one  but  ourselves 
from  starting  off  the  fire,  so  I  suggest  that  we 


234  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

have  all  these  boxes  and  barrels  safely  stored 
away  in  a  warehouse  near  by  until  we  are  sure 
Mr.  Cleveland  has  been  elected,  and  I  will  then 
furnish  all  the  assistance  in  my  power  to  make 
this  bonfire  a  grand  success."  The  argument 
seemed  to  be  so  plausible  all  were  forced  to 
agree,  and  the  boxes  were  securely  stored  away 
in  the  warehouse.  All  next  day  and  the  follow- 
ing night  the  telegrams  were  so  uncertain  the 
students  lost  interest  in  the  contemplated  bon- 
fire, and  when  Mr.  Cleveland  was  at  last  declared 
elected  the  margin  was  so  small  there  was  a  tacit 
consent  to  give  up  the  bonfire.  Moreover,  now 
that  the  Chancellor  was  a  party  to  the  transac- 
tion much  of  the  spiciness  had  been  destroyed, 
since  there  was  no  violation  of  law,  and  there- 
fore no  risks  incurred.  Dr.  Mell,  in  referring 
to  this  episode,  stated  that  it  was  always  the 
part  of  wisdom  to  head  a  mob  and  lead  it  into 
channels  that  would  dissipate  its  dangerous  fea- 
tures. A  man  was  foolish  to  throw  himself 
against  a  mob  determined  in  its  purpose — he 
would  only  be  crushed  and  annihilated.  He  was 
well  aware  of  the  fact  that  the  students  had  de- 
termined to  have  the  bonfire  and  severe  mea- 
sures would  have  only  stimulated  them  to  other 
deeds  more  violent — so  he  '  'headed  the  mob"  and 
no  harm  resulted. 

During  the  year  1886-87  two  of  the  young  men 
of  the  University  got  into  a  personal  difficulty 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT,  235 

fhat  arose  very  naturally  and  spontaneously 
from  complications  and  antagonisms  among  the 
students  themselves.  In  his  report  to  the  Board 
of  Trustees  for  that  year  Dr.  Mell  brought  be- 
fore them  the  following  facts  in  regard  to  this 
unfortunate  difficulty.  There  had  been  a  custom 
at  the  University  of  long  standing  for  the  classes 
in  the  written  examinations  to  hold  all  their 
members  to  a  rigid  accountability,  and  to  demand 
that  they  in  good  faith  should  conform  to  the 
pledges  they  would  sign  that  they  had  received 
no  aid  in  preparing  the  papers.  They  resolved 
and  announced  that  they  would  report  to  the 
faculty  all  that  they  found  cheating.  This  ren- 
dered it  necessary  that  they  should  as  a  class 
investigate  and  decide  upon  the  cases  of  those 
against  whom  charges  were  made  previously  to 
bringing  the  accused  before  the  faculty.  These 
inquiries  were  always  and  inevitably  accom- 
panied by  great  excitement,  and  soon  lost  the 
feature  of  a  preliminary  investigation,  and  as- 
sumed the  character  of  a  tribunal  of  ultimate 
decision.  A  tribunal  thus  organized  is  well 
qualified  to  do  great  wrong  to  a  timid  student 
accused  ignorantly,  maliciously,  or  through  ri- 
valry; or  cause  great  commotions  and  collisions 
among  its  own  components  when  it  attempts  its 
processes  against  a  brave  boy  ud justly  accused 
who  has  friends  to  rally  around  him.  While  a 
class  may  be  very  efficient  in  the  character  of  a 


236  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

prosecutor,  it  is  singularly  disqualified  to  dis- 
charge the  functions  of  a  judge  and  jury.  In  the 
first  place,  inexperience  and  their  very  noble 
impulses,  themselves  in  opposition  to  dishonor- 
able conduct,  are  likely  to  make  them  indignant 
against  one  tainted  by  plausible  accusation  of 
wrong;  and  then,  in  the  next  place,  the  ardor 
and  resentment  of  the  prosecution  tend  to  make 
them  unable  in  an  unprejudiced  way  to  see  both 
sides.  The  consequence  has  been  that  in  some 
eases  not  detected  by  the  Faculty  before  the 
catastrophe,  very  worthy  young  men  have  been 
driven  off,  or  the  court  itself  has  been  turned 
into  a  battle  ground  where  questions  have  been 
decided  by  pugilistic,  rather  than  by  forensic 
disputations. 

In  the  particular  case  that  year,  a  member  of 
the  Sophomore  class  brought  the  charge  of 
cheating  against  five  of  his  classmates.  Others 
joined  with  him  in  the  testimony  in  regard  to  two 
of  them.  After  some  excitement  he  consented 
to  withdraw  the  charge  against  three,  admitting 
that  he  could  not  prove  them,  and  gave  a  writ- 
ten admission  to  that  effect.  It  happened  unfor- 
tunately that  all  the  accused,  excepting  one, 
were  members  of  the  same  secret  fraternity — 
the  exception  being  a  non-fraternity  man — and 
that  the  accuser  belonged  to  another  club.  Sus- 
pecting and  charging  that  this  was  an  attempt  to 
smirch  the  fair  name  of  their  club,  all  the  mem- 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  237 

bers.of  the  fraternity  rallied  around  their  fellows 
thus  accused;  and  this  caused  antagonistic  com- 
binations on  the  part  of  some  of  the  other  clubs 
in  the  University.  Soon  after  the  accusation  was 
made,  one  of  the  three  from  whom  the  charge  was 
ultimately  withdrawn,  had  a  stand-up  tight  with 
the  accuser,  with  the  knowledge  and  concurrence 
of  parents.  It  was  thought  that  honor  required 
the  other  two  to  challenge  their  accuser  to  pugil- 
istic combat  also;  but  as  they  were  small  in  size 
and  he  large  and  muscular,  it  was  thought  right 
that  one  of  the  clubmates,  more  on  terms  of 
physical  equality,  should  champion  their  cause. 
All  parties  acquiesced  in  this  arrangement,  and 
agreed  that  the  duello  should  be  a  final  settle- 
ment all  around.  Entering  heartily  into  this 
engagement,  forced  into  it  by  the  prevailing 
public  opinion  in  the  University,  encouraged  by 
the  undisguised  sentiment  even  among  some  of 
the  ladies  of  the  town,  acting  under  the  appro- 
bation of  their  parents,  and  umpired  by  one  of 
the  leading  merchants  of  the  town,  the  parties 
eluded  the  police,  and  at  a  safe  place,  four  miles 
from  town,  "punished  each  other,"  as  the  phrase 
is,  "according  to  the  rules  of  the  Marquis  of 
Queensbury" — whatever  that  may  be. 

As  soon  as  Chancellor  Mell  discovered  that 
the  class  was  about  to  deal  with  some  of  its 
members,  he  had  an  interview  with  it  as  the 
members    assembled  in  one   of    the  recitation 


238  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

rooms,  and  made  an  address  to  them  the  design 
of  which  was  to  show  the  dangers  that  would 
attend  upon  their  efforts  to  adjudicate  the  case. 
They  listened  respectfully  to  him,  and  finally 
gave  their  cordial  consent  to  prosecute  the  case 
before  the  Faculty.  A  Committee  of  that  body 
met  with  the  class  and,  after  patient  and  careful 
investigation,  convicted  one  of  the  accused  and 
acquitted  the  other.  It  was  hoped  that  this 
would  terminate  the  excitement;  and  it  did,  so 
far  as  the  class  as  a  body  was  concerned.  But 
individuals  had  become  exasperated,  because,  as 
they  said,  their  honor  had  been  called  in  ques- 
tion; and  others  writhed  under  innuendoes  to  the 
effect  that  their  courage  had' been  impugned; 
and  the  whole  inflammable  University  community 
became  involved  on  one  side  or  the  other,  de- 
manding that  the  controversy  be  settled  by 
blows,  and  aiding  all  in  their  i^ower  to  that  end. 
The  matter  commenced  with  the  Sophomore 
Class,  but  in  the  final  catastrophe  there  was  but 
a  solitary  Sophomore  engaged.  The  other  cham- 
pion, and  the  two  seconds  were  all  three  Seniors. 
He  summoned  before  him  the  two  principals, 
one  at  a  time,  and  endeavored  to  prevent  the 
encounter.  But  it  did  not  take  him  long  to  real- 
ize that  they  were  held  hopelessly  to  their  cham- 
pionship by  the  relentless  crowd  on  the  campus, 
in  the  town  and  at  their  homes.  He  then  ad- 
dressed himself  to  the  effort  to  induce  them  to 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  239 

postpone  the  fight  until  the  close  of  the  term, 
reminding  them  that  they  were  proposing  to  vio- 
late University  law,  warning  them  of  the  danger 
to  themselves  personally  of  University  penalties, 
and  appealing  to  their  sense  of  obligation  to  the 
University  authorities,  who  deserved  better 
things  at  their  hands.  These  considerations  re- 
ceived such  respectful,  and  apparently  candid, 
attention  that  he  had  hopes  of  accomplishing  his 
object.  The  same  results  were  accomplished  by 
a  consultation  with  the  seconds.  However,  they 
had  no  sooner  left  the  Chancellor's  office  than 
they  were  caught  up  and  wafted  off  by  the  wave 
of  excitement  out  of  doors,  and  Dr.  Mell  saw 
nothing  more  of  them  until  the  folly  had  ex- 
pended itself.  In  a  day  or  two  the  four  young 
men,  engaged  in  the  affray,  addressed  a  written 
acknowledgement  to  the  Faculty  disavowing  any 
intention  to  treat  with  contempt  constituted 
authority,  and  expressing  profound  regret  that 
they  had  been  betrayed  into  a  violation  of  Uni- 
versity law.  This  was  followed  next  day  by  a 
communication  signed  by  nearly  all  the  students, 
who  acknowledged  that  they  were  in  large  meas- 
ure responsible  for  the  unfortunate  events,  and 
soliciting  the  clemency  of  the  Faculty  in  behalf 
of  themselves  and  their  victims. 

It  may  be  asked  why  the  Chancellor  did  not 
prevent  the  unfortunate  event  by  having  all  the 
parties  arrested?     In  reply  to  this  it  may  be  said 


240  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

that  these  four  young  men  were  mere  straws 
floating  on  a  mighty  tide  whose  momentum 
gathered  in  its  force  confluent  currents  issuing 
from  the  University,  from  the  town  and  from 
exasperated  family  circles.  He  had  not  chains 
fitted,  or  strong  enough,  to  bind  all  these  forces; 
and  any  summary  attempt  by  him  would  have 
only  intensified  the  difficulty,  and  precipitated 
disaster  as  well  as  disgrace. 

These  young  men  were  expelled  from  the  Uni- 
versity for  participating  in  this  fight,  and  after  a 
certain  time  they  were  reinstated  in  their  classes. 
This  leniency  on  the  part  of  the  authorities  was 
very  severely  criticised  by  the  papers  in  Geor- 
gia, as  well  as  elsewhere,  and  the  Chancellor  was 
given  a  large  share  of  the  blame.  In  reply  to 
these  strictures  he  published  in  some  of  the 
leading  papers  the  following  defense  and  ex- 
planation that  fully  satisfied  the  demands  of  the 
public  and  put  a  quietus  on  the  critics: 

"A  writer  in  your  paper  of  the  25tli  instant  correctly 
says  I  alone  am  responsible  for  the  restoration  to  the 
University  of  the  would-be  duelists.  I  cheerfully  admit 
my  responsibility  to  the  newspapers  and  to  the  general 
public,  as  well  as  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  for  the  general 
principles  conti'olling  my  part  in  the  administration  of 
the  University — and  preeminently  so,  for  my  decision  of 
a  question  involving  the  very  essence  of  morality  itself. 
I  do  not  consider  it  unfortunate  that  the  University  is  not 
like  the  denominational  colleges,  surrounded  by  denomi- 
national owners  who  are  tempted  to  resent  any  newspaper 
notices  that  are  not  favorable — who  strive  to  intimidate 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  241 

into  silence  any  paper  that  shows  a  disposition  to  criti- 
cise. On  the  contrai'y,  I  think  it  fortunate  for  the 
University  that  the  press  have,  and  assert,  the  right  to 
make  daylight  shine  and  the  fresh  winds  of  heaven  to 
blow,  through  it  everywhere.  True,  sometimes,  hasty 
and  inaccurate  statements  may  be  rushed  into  print;  but 
even  then  there  is  ample  compensation  if  some  competent 
hand  gives  the  c^ri'ection;  for  thus  the  University  is  kept 
before  the  public  ....  Of  course,  on  the  details  of  my 
administration  of  discipline  I  ought  pot  to  be  expected  to 
plead  befoi-e  the  public;  but  I  stand  ready  to  justify  the 
great  j^rinciples  on  which  my  system  of  government  is 
based;  and  certainly  to  ex^jlain  to  the  newspapers  and  the 
public  why  I  restored  the  would-be  duelists  ....  The 
question  is  asked  why  were  not  the  would-be  duelists 
punished?  The  answer  is  that  they  were  all  punished. 
Their  connection  with  the  University  was  severed,  and 
they  were  instructed  to  go  home.  This  action  of  the 
University  was  announced  by  the  press  everywhere,  and 
met  with  universal  approbation.  The  University  put  its 
brand  of  condemnation  on  the  criminal,  barbarous  and 
foolish  deed  which  the  boys  attempted  to  perpetrate. 

But  why  were  they  restored  to  their  places  in  the  Uni- 
versity? Please  let  us  see  what  is  the  extent  of  meaning 
of  this  question.  Is  it  asked  on  the  assumption  that  those 
boys  had  committed  the  unpardonable  sin  that  must  cut 
them  off  forever  from  prosecuting  the  couvse  of  higher 
education  furnished  by  colleges?  Does  it  imply  that  it 
was  the  duty  of  all  colleges  to  close  their  doors  against 
them?  I  do  not  suppose  that  any  sensible  person  would 
answer  this  question  in  the  affirmative.  If  there  should 
be  one  I  beg  to  be  excused  from  arguing  the  case  with 
him.  If  they  could  ever  be  restored  to  the  rights  and 
privileges'^f  college  students,  when,  and  at  what  Institu- 
tion? And  could  they  enjoy  this  high  boon  without 
detriment  to  morals  and  to  our  good  name  here?  For, 
according  to  their  own  laws  and  the  comity  existing  be- 
tween these  higher  Institutions,  no  University  or  college 
could  receive  these  boys  without  our  consent  first  given, 
16 


242  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Whenever  and  wherever  then  they  may  have  entered  in- 
stitutions of  learning  they  would  have  done  so  at  our 
instance  and  on  our  responsibility.  In  deciding'  to  permit 
them  to  return  here  I  have  committed  no, greater  outrage 
— if  outrage  at  all — than  could  have  been  justly  charged 
to  me  if  I  had  consented  for  them  to  enter  any  other  insti- 
tution. I  consented  for  them  to  return  here  (1)  because 
they  had  had  a  punishment  inflicted  on  them  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  whole  world  that  is  reached  by  newspapers; 
(2)  because  most  of  them  were  fine  students,  who  received 
their  punishment  with  the  most  admirable  spirit,  justi- 
fying it  to  me  in  unmistakable  terms,  and  declaring  that 
they  were  going  away  with  the  highest  respect  and  affec- 
tion for  the  University  whose  laws  they  deeply  regretted 
to  have  violated;  (3)  because  their  parents  were,  some  of 
them,  our  alumni,  and  all  of  them  our  friends,  who  united 
with  their  sons  in  thoroughly  acquiescing  in  the  justice 
of  the  punishment  inflicted;  finally,  (4)  they  were  per- 
mitted to  return  here  because  this  was  the  Institution  of 
their  choice  .... 

But  why  were  they  restored  at  the  particular  time,  and 
how  was  the  idea  of  their  restoration  suggested?  Did 
they  or  their  parents  make  application  to  the  Faculty  oi" 
Chancellor?  No.  The  application  was  made  by  a  large 
number  of  Trustees  and  other  distinguished  men  froiu 
various  parts  of  the  State  ....  If  I  could  feel  at  liberty 
to  give  the  names  of  all  these  distinguished  gentlemen. 
no  one  would  suspect  that  the  boys  were  restored  because 
their  advocates  were  disposed  to  justify  or  condone  the 
hideous  practice  of  dueling." 

The  Athens  Banner -Watchman  in  an  editorial 
of  this  date  says: 

"It  is  well  known  that  such  men  as  General  A.  R.  Law- 
ton,  Col.  John  Screven,  Hon.  P.  W.  Meld  rim,  Col.  J.  J. 
Gresham,  Mr.  H.  W.  Grady,  and  other  prominent  Geor- 
gians and  members  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  wrote  strong 
letters  to  the  Chancellor  favoring  the  recall  of  the  young 
men  suspended." 


COLLEGE  GOVERNMENT.  243 

When   the  Board  of  Trustees   met  at  Com- 
mencement of  1887,  Dr.  Mell  read  his  annual  re- 
port giving  a  thorough  and  masterly  review  of 
the  workings  of  the  University  in  all  its  depart- 
ments.   He  reviewed  the  escapade  of  the  ' 'would- 
be  duelists"  and  defended  his  action  at  length. ' 
They  listened  with   interest   and   received  his 
report.     Afterwards    the    Board    of     Trustees 
amended  the  "law  with  regard  to  dueling,  so 
that  upon  conviction,  the  student  who  indulges 
in  that  pastime  shall  be  expelled,  and  not  allowed 
to  return  to  college  except  by  a  vote  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees.     Dr.  Mell  considered  this  as  cen- 
suring his  action  in  restoring  the  young  men, 
and  promptly  sent  in  his  resignation  as  Chan- 
cellor.    The  Board  unanimously  refused  to  con- 
sider  it  and   sent   a   committee,    composed    of 
Messrs.    Gordon,   McDaniel   and   Hammond,   to 
interview  the  Doctor  and  find  out  his  reasons  for 
resigning  and  request  him  to  withdraw  his  resig- 
nation.    As  soon  as  it  was  ascertained  why  the 
Doctor  had  taken  such  a  step  a  resolution  was 
unanimously  passed  stating  that  the  Board  did 
not  mean  in  its  resolution  to  censure  Dr.  Mell,, 
but  on  the  contrary  unanimously  endorsed  his 
action  in  the  matter.     This  being  satisfactory 
the  resignation  was  withdrawn." 


244  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

LAST    ILLNESS    AND    DEATH. 

Immediately  after  the  troubles  and  vexations 
of  this  Commencement,  the  last  one  of  his  life, 
some  of  the  enemies  of  the  University  began 
violent  attacks  on  the  Institution  through  the 
religious  and  secular  press,  that  were  calculated 
to  do  great  damage  unless  refuted.  Chancellor 
Mell  felt  these  thrusts  most  keenly,  because  he 
recognized  how  unjust  they  were  and  the  great 
harm  that  would  result  to  his  administration. 
At  the  solicitations  of  friends  of  the  University, 
therefore,  he  consented  to  reply  to  the  charges 
in  a  series  of  articles  for  the  papers.  He  spent 
almost  the  entire  vacation  in  writing  these  ar- 
ticles, when  his  health  demanded  recreation  and 
rest.  This  occurred  during  the  summer  months 
of  1887.  These  articles  were  followed  by  a  pam- 
phlet, entitled,  "Statements  and  discussions 
elicited  by  attacks  and  criticisms  on  the  Uni- 
versity of  Georgia."  This  work,  undertaken  at 
the  close  of  an  exhaustive  college  session,  pros- 
trated him,  and  his  physician  advised  him  to 
leave  Athens  for  a  season  of  rest  and  quiet.  But 
he  declined  to  leave  his  post  just  as  the  new  ses- 
sion was  about  to  open. 


LAST  ILLNESS  AND  DEATH.  245 

He  insisted  upon  attending  to  all  of  his  duties 
in  spite  of  his  failing  strength.  In  October  he 
was  present  at  the  meeting  of  the  Georgia  Bap- 
tist Association  and  was  chosen  Moderator  as 
usual.     A  notice  of  this  session  says: 

"The  Doctor's  head  is  almost  snowy  white,  and  his 
cheeks  are  sunken,  but  his  form  is  erect,  his  step  firm 
and  elastic,  and  he  still  retains  that  intellectual  vigor 
which  has  made  him  a  marked  figure  in  the  Baptist  his- 
tory of  Georgia.  No  man  is  more  universally  loved  by 
his  church  (denomination)  than  Dr.  Mell."  {Greensboro 
Herald.) 

December  12th,  1887,  he  preached  the  last  ser- 
mon of  his  life,  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  on 
the  subject  of  Election.     His  text  was: 

"We  are  bound  to  give  thanks  always  to  God  for  you, 
brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath  from  the 
beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation  through  sanctification 
of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth:  whereunto  he  called 
you  by  our  Gospel,  to  the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ."     (II.  Thess.  2:13, 14.) 

In  the  review  of  the  sermon,  written  by  Dr.  E. 
W.  Speer,  he  comments  upon  the  clear  and  lucid 
manner  with  which  the  preacher,  "whose  mind 
had  been  disciplined  by  the  assiduous  study,  not 
only  of  divinity,  but  of  logic  and  metaphysics, 
grappled  the  problem."  There  seemed  to  be  no 
trace  in  his  mind  of  the  deadly  weakness  that 
was  attacking  his  vital  forces. 

On  this  same  day,  December  12th,  1887,  little 
more  than  one  month  before  he  died.  Dr.  Mell 


246  LfFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

addressed  the  following  letter  to  a  young  min- 
ister, the  last  he  ever  wrote,  except  to  his  family. 
This  young  man,  after  preaching  several  years 
most  successfully,  became  tainted  with  infidel 
views  and  strayed  off  into  darkest  error.  He 
gave  up  the  ministry  and,  at  his  own  request, 
was  dropped  from  the  roll  of  the  church  of  which 
he  was  a  member.  After  plunging  several  years 
in  this  black  darkness  of  doubt,  the  Holy  Spirit' 
rescued  him  and  brought  him  back  to  a  full 
realization  of  his  situation  and  to  repentance  for 
his  great  sin.  He  concluded  to  apply  to  the 
church  for  readmission  to  membership  and  re- 
ordination  to  the  ministry.  Before  taking  this 
step,  however,  he  communicated  with  Dr.  Mell 
and  the  following  letter  was  the  response: 

"Yours  of  the  10th  instant  has  given  me  exquisite 
pleasure.  I  have  been  long  expecting  it.  I  had  an  abid- 
ing faith  that  the  Lord  would  bring  you  back.  I  hope 
you  will  as  promptly  as  you  can  take  steps  to  secure  your 
restoration  to  the  church. 

Ordination  is  the  joint  action  of  the  church  and  the 
Presbytery:  consequently,  if  by  any  means,  or  for  any 
cause,  one  loses  the  right  to  preach,  it  would  seem  that 
the  intervention  of  the  Presbytery  would  be  necessary  to 
restore  to  him,  in  full,  the  ministerial  functions.  Ex- 
clusion from  the  church  carried  with  it  of  necessity  all 
rights  and  privileges  jDertaining  to  one  as  a  Baptist  min- 
ister. I  do  not  mean  to  be  understood  as  saying  that  a 
Presbytery  must  use  again  all  the  detailed  forms  em- 
ployed in  the  original  ordination;  but  merely  that  they 
should  make  such  investigation  as  to  be  authorized  to 
reinstate  and  welcome  back  into   the   ministry  the  one 


LAST  ILLNESS  AND  DEATH.  247 

deposed.  This  is  pi-eeminently  necessary  for  the  deposed 
one  himself;  because  the  endorsement  of  an  able  body  of 
ministers  would  reinstate  him  into  the  confidence  of  the 
people  at  once. 

The  course  you  propose  is  eminently  wise.  I  would  not 
permit  the  authorities  to  restore  my  ministerial  functions 
at  once.  This  will  not  be  to  consent  to  keep  your  mouth 
closed.  Every  male  member  of  a  Baptist  (or  gospel) 
church  has  a  right,  and  is  in  duty  bound,  to  tell  all  he 
knows  of  Christ.  If,  after  a.modest  reserve  on  your  part 
for  a  time,  the  people  demand  that  you  reassume  the 
functions  of  a  minister,  you  can  enter  upon  the  work 
again  with  all  the  more  confidence,  comfort  and  hope. 
But  by  no  means  consent  to  it  until  after  a  similar  advice 
and  consent  by  a  Presbytery  of  ministers  in  the  vicinity, 
invited  by  the  church  for  that  purpose.  If  you  consent 
to  anything  short  of  this,  you  will  not  only  violate  gospel 
principle,  but  you  would  commit  a  huge  blunder  as  against 
yourself;  for  you  would  need  the  endorsement  of  such  a 
body  to  secure  at  once  the  confidence  of  the  people.  It  is 
greatly  in  your  favor  though  that  your  exclusion  was 
demanded  by  yourself,  and  that  it  was  based  on  no 
charge,  or  confession,  of  immoral  conduct. 

My  dear  Brother,  please  let  me  adapt  to  you  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Savior  addressed  to  Peter,  now  that  you  are 
'converted,  strengthen  your  brethren.'    God  bless  you, 
and  keep  you,  and  make  you  eminent]}'  useful. 
Yours  fraternally, 

P.  H.  Mell." 

On  the  loth  of  December,  1887,  he  was  com- 
pelled to  recognize  the  fast  failing  of  his  strength, 
and  he  laid  aside  his  duties  to  spend  two  or  three 
weeks  in  search  of  rest  in  the  southern  part  of 
Georgia.  On  this  day,  in  a  letter  to  the  writer, 
and  just  before  leaving  home,  he  wrote  as  fol- 
lows: 


248  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

"My  health  is  bad.  I  have  broken  myself  down  by 
overwork.  My  doctor  orders  me  off  for  the  recess.  Many 
of  the  Trustees  urg-e  me  to  take  a  month's  rest;  but  I  can- 
not do  so,  my  colleagues  are  already  overworked,  and  my 
classes  v^rould  suffer.  There  is  no  rest  for  me  but  in  the 
grave." 

After  remaining  in  southern  Georgia  for  a 
week  or  more,  and  not  recovering  as  rapidly  as 
he  desired,  he  concluded  to  return  home.  On 
his  way  back  he  visited  the  writer  at  Auburn, 
Alabama,  with  the  hope  that  the  change  would 
be  beneficial.  He  reached  Auburn  on  January 
the  5th,  very  much  exhausted,  and  was  confined 
to  his  room  most  of  the  time  thereafter.  Each 
day  becoming  weaker,  he  felt  the  end  was  not 
far  off,  and  he  longed  to  reach  his  home  before 
dying.  At  his  earnest  solicitation,  therefoi^e, 
the  writer,  on  the  15th  of  January,  carried  him 
to  Athens.  It  was  necessary  to  support  him 
almost  bodily,  although  he  was  able  to  walk  a 
little.  Throughout  the  entire  fatiguing  journey 
he  exhibited  a  remarkable  fortitude,  patience  and 
strength  of  character.  Very  few  complaints 
escaped  his  lips,  and  yet,  from  the  conversations 
held  with  him  before  and  during  the  journey  he 
was  undoubtedly  anticipating  the  near  approach 
of  the  end;  and  his  bodily  sufferings  must  have 
been  very  great.  Every  attention  was  shown 
him  by  the  railroad  officials  to  make  his  journey 
as  little  fatiguing  as  possible.  He  reclined  on 
his  berth  from  Auburn  to  Atlanta,  but  refused  to 


LAST  ILLNESS  AND  DEATH.  249 

use  the  berth  on  the  Georgia  train  for  fear  of 
displaying  too  much  weakness  among  his  friends 
and  acquaintances,  and  persisted  in  sitting  up  all 
the  way  to  Athens.  This  tax  upon  his  little  re- 
maining strength  so  thoroughly  exhausted  him, 
that  it  was  necessary,  when  Athens  was  reached, 
for  his  sons  to  take  him  up  in  their  arms  and  carry 
him  to  the  carriage,  and  then  from  the  carriage 
to  his  bed,  from  which  he  never  rose.  He  lin- 
gered until  the  26th  of  .January,  at  times  rally- 
ing, and  then  growing  worse,  when  he  breathed 
his  last.  He  retained  his  faculties  with  remark- 
able keenness  until  within  a  very  short  time  of 
his  death,  and  died  with  perfect  resignation- 
willing  to  go  because  his  Master  had  summoned 
him  to  come  up  higher. 

His  faith  and  confidence  in  the  righteous 
cause,  in  which  he  had  spent  his  life,  were  un- 
shaken to  the  last.  Three  days  before  his  death 
he  said:  "I  have  been  a  wonderful  child  of  Provi- 
dence, if  not  a  child  of  grace."  On  this  same 
day  the  Treasurer  of  the  University  sent  him  a 
check  for  his  quarter's  salary,  and  the  messen- 
ger was  instructed  to  say  that,  if  Dr.  Mell  was 
unable  to  sign  the  receipt,  his  son's  signature 
would  suffice.  But  the  response  came  promptly: 
"No,  let  me  do  it.  Major  Cobb  is  a  punctilious 
man. "  He  was  lifted  up  because  he  was  so  weak 
he  could  not  hold  up  his  head.  His  daughter 
placed  the  pen  in  his  hand  and  guided  it  to  the 


250  LIFE  OP  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

paper,  because  his  arm  was  almost  paralyzed. 
His  signature  on  the  receipt  was  made  almost  as 
distinctly  as  ever. 

Just  after  he  reached  home  from  Auburn  he 
said  to  Doctor  Pope,  his  physician,  "I  am  in  the 
hands  of  a  wise  God  and  a  skillful  physician." 
He  said  repeatedly  during  the  last  few  days  of 
.his  illness,  "For  me  to  live  is  Christ's,  to  die  is 
gain.  God  is  good  and  gracious  and  merciful — 
merciful  to  sinners."  When  his  daughter  told 
him  good  night,  on  the  Sunday  night  before  his 
death,  he  said:  ''Kiss  me,  and  God  grant  you  a 
good  night's  rest."  She  responded:  "I  hope  you 
will  also  have  a  comfortable  night's  rest."  And 
he  replied:  "God  knows,  I  will  scuffle  through 
the  best  I  can."  He  was  lifted  up  on  Tuesday 
morning  to  take  his  usual  nourishment,  and  he 
said:  "I  have  lost  my  dignity;  I  am  a.perfect  in- 
fant in  my  children's  hands."  When  he  was 
given  whisky  to  stimulate  him,  he  said  once: 
"Give  strong  drink  unto  him  that  is  ready  to 
perish."  On  Tuesday  night  he  said:  "The  crisis 
has  come,"  although  nothing  had  been  said  to 
him,  or  in  his  hearing,  that  would  lead  him  to 
think  his  friends  were  apprehensive.  "My  life 
hangs  in  the  balance.  Nurse  me  well  to-night, 
and  maybe  I  will  get  through  safely.  If  you 
and  the  Doctor  will  do  your  parts  I  will  do  mine. 
Give  me  the  nourishment,  and,  if  I  do  not  under- 
stand, force  it  on  me.     But  God's  will  be  done." 


LAST  ILLNESS  AND  DEATH.  251 

During  the  night  he  said:  "I  think  we  shall  j^uU 
through — I  believe  we  are  winning  the  fight." 
The  first  time  he  confidently  admitted  he  was 
better  was  on  Wednesday  morning;  but  the  Doc- 
tor found  his  pulse  very  weak,  and  he  had  lost" 
strength  during  the  night.  He  endeavored  to 
say  something  to  his  wife  on  Wednesday  after- 
noon, but  congestion  of  the  lungs  had  taken 
place  and  he  could  scarcely  speak;  he  therefore 
uttered:  "I  am  too  weak,  it  will  die  with  me." 
At  intervals  after  this  he  said:  "I  commit  my 
soul  to  God  in  Christ  Jesus— Glory  be  to  God. " 
"Once  I  was  dead,  but  now  am  alive.  In  the 
other  world  I  am  thoroughly  understood  and 
thoroughly  appreciated — thoroughly  understood 
and  thoroughly  appreciated."  He  uttered  these 
words  just  as  written — repeating  the  last  part  of 
the  sentence.  It  seemed  to  those  who  watched 
that  he  was  permitted  to  penetrate  the  veil  which 
hangs  between  this  and  the  other  world,  and 
that  he  actually  beheld  the  understanding  and 
approving  smile  on  his  beloved  Master's  face. 

Just  before  breathing  his  last  he  said:  "Nearly 
home?"  and  made  an  effort  to  say  something 
more,  but  failed.  He  then  tiried  to  fold  his  hands 
across  his  breast  and  died  without  a  struggle — 
fell  asleep  in  the  arms  of  Jesus,  for  whom  he 
had  fought  a  valiant  fight,  and  at  the  end  of  the 
many  long  years  of  a  useful  life  was  taken  to  his 
reward. 


252  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

MEMORIALS. 

The  numerous  friends  of  Chancellor  Mell 
throughout  the  South  paid  tender  and  beautiful 
tributes  to  his  memory  as  soon  as  the  news  of 
his  death  became  known.  The  funeral  exercises, 
the  articles  and  editorials  in  the  religious  and 
secular  press,  and  the  sympathetic  letters  ad- 
dressed to  the  bereaved  family,  all  gave  striking 
evidence  of  the  high  esteem  of  his  friends  and 
the  estimate  placed  on  his  work  as  an  educator 
and  minister  by  numerous  acquaintances  and 
admirers  throughout  the  entire  South. 

In  this  chapter,  a  few  of  these  testimonials  are 
given,  to  indicate  how  deeply  his  loss  was  re- 
gretted by  the  public  generally,  and  how  highly 
his  life  work  was  appreciated. 

"To-day  was  a  sad  one  for  Athens.  Everybody  and 
everything  seemed  to  realize  the  loss  which  the  death  of 
our  beloved  Chancellor  has  occasioned. 

Mayor  Hodgson  ordered  that  the  public  schools  be  sus- 
pended, and  the  Lucy  Cobb  and  Home  School  also  sus- 
pended their  exercises  through  respect  to  their  deceased 
friend.  The  two  literary  societies  met  at  2:30  o'clock  and 
marched  in  procession  to  the  Chancellor's  residence  and 
thence  back  to  the  college  chapel.  Following  the  pro- 
cession of  students  came  the  hearse,  immediately  followed 
by  the  members  of  the  faculty  and  the  trustees;  then 
came  the  family  and  the  friends  of  the  deceased. 


MEMORIALS.  253 

The  corpse  ai-rived  at  the  chapel,  in  which  the  funeral 
services  were  held,  at  3  o'clock.  The  chapel  was  draped 
throughout.  The  coffin  was  j^laced  at  the  foot  of  the 
rostrum,  and  just  above  it  on  the  rostrum  were  three  pil- 
lows of  flowers,  the  first  one  with  a  green  back  ground, 
with  the  initials,  P.  H.  M.  in  blue  violets;  the  second 
with  a  white  back  ground  of  flowers,  with  S.  A.  E.  in 
blue  violets,  and  the  third  with  a  white  background  with 
the  word  "Rest"  in  blue  violets.  Just  behind  these  pil- 
lows was  a  beautiful  design,  representing  the  "Gates 
Ajar."  Upon  the  coffin  were  beds  of  lovely  flowers,  and 
in  them  a  pure  white  dove,  all  very  expressive. 

After  those  present  were  seated,  the  choir  sang,  "Come 
ye  disconsolate,"  after  which  Dr.  Lipscomb  read  from  the 
12th  chapter  of  Corinthians,  beginning  at  the  21st  verse. 
Then  Mr.  Davis,  rector  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  gave 
out  the  hymn,  'It  ,is  well  with  my  soul,'  which  was  sung 
by  the  choir.  Prayer  was  offered  by  Dr.  Lane,  pastor  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  after  the  prayer  Di-.  C.  D. 
Campbell,  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church,  took  the  text, 
'Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant,'  and  preached 
an  eloquent  sermon,  giving  a  short  description  of  Dr. 
Mell's  life.  The  discourse  on  his  mental  and  moral  quali- 
ties, representing  the  greatness  and  goodness  of  our 
Chancellor,  was  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  all.  When 
he  had  finished,  Rev.  Mr.  Anderson,  pastor  of  the  First 
Methodist  Church,  gave  out  the  hymn,  'Shall  we  meet 
beyond  the  river?'  which  was  sung  by  the  choir  as  the 
crowd  passed  out. 

The  crowd  was  an  immense  one;  the  chapel  was  jammed 
and  many  had  to  stand  outside.  The  remains  were  then 
taken  to  the  cemetery,  the  procession  marching  to  the 
order  stated  above.  In  the  quiet  burial  •  ground  which 
overlooks  the  waters  of  the  Oconee  river,  our  loved  one 
was  laid  to  rest.  His  life  is  finished,  but  the  fruits  of  his 
labors  will  live  forever. 

As  the  remains  left  the  chapel,  the  chapel  bell  began 
to  toll,  which  was  followed  by  the  bells  of  every  chuixjh 
in  the  city.     At  Antioch,  a  little  town  on  the  Georgia 


254  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

railroad,  where  Dr.  Mell  had  preached  for  many  years,, 
the  church  was  draped  in  mourning-,  and  thoug^h  twenty 
miles  away,  communication  was  made  by  telegraph,  and 
at  the  same  minute  the  bells  began  to  toll  in  the  city  the 
church  bell  there  rang  out  the  same  solemn  peal." 
{Macon  Telegraph.) 

The  alumni  of  the  University  of  Georgia,  re- 
siding in  Atlanta,  held  a  meeting  at  the  office  of 
the  Constitution,  and  after  passing  suitable  reso- 
lutions a  committee  was  appointed  to  attend  the 
funeral  obsequies. 

Memorial  services  were  held  in  Baptist 
churches  in  many  places  throughout  the  South, 
and  touching  and  beautiful  addresses  were  made. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention, in  1888,  memorial  services  were  held  in 
honor  of  P.  H.  Mell,  the  late  president,  and 
speeches  were  delivered  by  distinguished  min- 
isters of  the  denomination  in  commemoration  of 
the  virtues  of  the  man  whose  death  they  mourned. 

The  following  resolutions  were  passed  by  the 
Convention: 

'■^Besolved  1st,  That  the  Convention  has  heard  with  pro- 
found regret  the  announcement  of  the  death  of  Brother 
P.  H.  Mell,  for  so  many  years  our  beloved  and  honored 
President  ....';  but  that  we  are,  nevertheless,  cheered 
by  the  abiding  conviction  that  God  still  lives  and  rules, 
and  will  lead  his  people  to  ultimate  victory. 

Besolved  2nd,  That  the  Secretaries  be  insiructed  to  pre- 
pare a  memorial  page  in  our  minutes,  on  which  shall  be 
inscribed  the  full  name  of  this  faithful  servant  of  God, 
with  the  dates  and  places  of  his  birth  and  death." 


MEMORIALS.  255 

In  the  report  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Board, 
made  to  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  at  its 
session  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  in  1888,  the  fol- 
lowing beautiful  tribute  is  made  to  his  memory: 

"IN   MEMORIAM. 
"PARTICK   HUES   MELL,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

"Born  July  19th,  18U;  Died  January  26th;  1888. 

"The  late  President  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Conven- 
tion will  be  long-  remembered.  His  erect  figure,  angular 
features,  keen  eye,  concise  speech,  his  incisive  thoughts, 
cogent  logic,  unyielding  orthodoxy,  commanding  address, 
all  represented  a  type  of  manhood  which  impresses  in- 
delibly even  as  steel  makes  cuts  into  granite  not  to  be 
worn  away  by  the  waves  of  time. 

"The  strength  of  his  influences  as  a  presiding  officer 
was  only  surpassed  by  their  variety  and  range.  In  the 
Chair  of  the  Convention  sat  an  educator  and  author  whose 
teachings  had  influenced  the  mind  and  heart  of  many 
pupils  and  more  readers;  a  soldier  who  had  touched  men 
whose  elbows  communicated  the  contact  through  armies; 
a  man  versed  in  human  nature,  whose  words  and  acts 
were  perhaps  more  thought  of  and  more  talked  of  than 
those  of  any  Baptist  of  the  United  States;  a  preacher 
whose  control  of  churches  and  congregations  was  so  com- 
plete that  the  territory  in  which  he  preached  was  called 
'Mell's  Kingdom:'  a  'master  of  assemblies'  who  pi'esided 
twenty-nine  years  over  his  District  Association,  twenty- 
five  years  over  his  State  Convention,  and  fifteen  years 
over  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention;  who,  as  the  'prince 
of  parliamentarians, 'had  been  gazed  upon  by  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  admiring  eyes  and  had  won  for  himself  more 
than  national  reputation,  and  who,  as  'President  Mell,' 
was  looked  up  to  by  missionaries  and  mission  churches 
*all  over  our  Sunny  South  and  in  the  Queen  of  the  Antilles, 
as  well  as  in  pictorial  Mexico,  tropical  Brazil,  equatorial 


256  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

Africa,  classical  Italy  and  antipodal  China,  as  the  worthy 
head  of  a  body  executive  of  the  sublime  and  divine  com- 
mission for  the  world's  evangelization. 

"In  these  far-reaching  influences  was  illustrated  the 
principle  that  gi'eat  rule  is  the  reward  of  great  service. 
Of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  Dr.  Mell  was  a  friend 
whose  faith  in  its  necessity  and  destiny  never  wavered 
from  its  inception;  a  member  whose  interest  in  all  depart- 
ments of  its  works  was  sympathetic,  profound  and  untir- 
ing, and  a  presiding  officer  who,  by  patience  and  pains- 
taking, coupled  with  native  quickness,  sagacity,  caution 
and  courtesy,  so  handled  the  movements  of  the  body  as  to 
give  to  delegates  general  satisfaction,  to  kindle  popular 
enthusiasm,  and  to  secure  for  the  Convention  itself  the 
encomium  of  being  a  model  for  religious,  deliberative  and 
representative  bodies  in  our  country,  and,  indeed,  in  the 
Christianized  world;  therefore 

"1.  Be  it  resolved,  That  praise  is  due  to  Him  who  is  the 
source  and  sustainer  of  life  for  the  many  days  on  earth 
which  by  the  gifts  of  nature  and  the  graces  of  the  spirit 
this  man  of  God  used  with  a  success  far  above  the  average 
success  of  his  fellows  for  the  advance  of  civilization,  the 
establishment  of  denominational  principles,  and  the  prog- 
ress of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom  in  the  world. 

"2.  JBe  it  resolved,  That  in  the  grief  at  our  great  loss, 
more  poignantly  realized  by  the  family  of  the  deceased, 
felt  also  by  his  wide  circle  of  devoted  friends  and  the  vast 
constituency  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  is  com- 
fort in  the  reflection  that  there  is  sincere  condolence,  by 
appreciative  minds  and  sympathetic  hearts,  in  every  con- 
tinent of  our  planet  on  which  rests  the  lights  and  shadows 
of  day  and  night. 

'"3.  Be  it  resolved.  That  the  man  who  so  honored  his 
I'ace  and  his  brethren  should  be  duly  honored  by  them; 
•that  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  representing  not 
only  its  Caucasian  patrons  and  .laborers  of  North  and 
South  Americas,  but  a  host  of  valiant  men  and  noble 
women — missionaries  and  mission  churches — identified 
with  or  belonging  to  Mongolian  and  African  races,  is  the 


MEMORIALS.  257 

proper  exponent  of  such  world-wide  honoring;  and  that 
it  be  recommended  by  this  Board  that  an  appropriate 
part  of  tlie  forthcoming-  session  of  the  Convention  be  set 
apart  for  the  voicing  of  tliis  universal  sentiment  in  serv- 
ices memorial  and  funeral  by  large-hearted  men,  brother 
ministers  and  consecrated  missionaries. 

"•1.  Be  it  resolved,  That  a  page  in  the  record  book  of  this* 
Board  be  appropriately  inscribed  to  the  7nemory  of  the  de- 
ceased; that  fitting  mention  be  made  of  liim  in  our  report 
to  the  Convention;  and  that  a  copy  of  this  paper,  duly 
authenticated  by  the  Recording  Secretary,  be  sent  to  the 
widow  and  children  of  our  departed  friend  and  brother, 
the  late  Chancellor  of  the  University  of  Georgia,  and  the 
incomparable  President  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention." 


TWO  STRIKING  FIGURES. 

[CLIPPING  FROM  A  GEORGIA  PXPER.] 

When  Hon.  Jefferson  Davis  visited  Macon  last  fall  the 
city  of  Athens  sent  a  delegation  to  invite  him  to  North- 
east Geoi-gia.  At  the  head  of  that  delegation  was  Dr.  P.  H. 
Mell.  The  venerable  Chancellor  of  the  University  found 
the  ex-President  lying  upon  a  couch,  too  feeble  to  rise,  but 
the  two  men  who  had  so  often  heard  of  each  other,  had  a 
long  and  delightful  interview.  Standing  at  the  foot  of 
Mr.  Davis'  bed,  the  great  scholar  and  divine  appeared 
erect,  lithe  and  full  of  purpose,  while  the  prostrate  chief- 
tain, but  little  his  senior,  seemed  barely  able  to  stand  the 
trip  back  to  his  Mississippi  home.  Dr.  Mell  had  paid 
Mr.  Davis  the  compliment  of  bearing  to  him  an  invitation 
to  visit  the  home  of  Howell  Cobb  and  the  halls  of  the 
University  of  Georgia.  The  embodiment  of  public  spirit 
and  enthusiasm,  the  Chancellor,  although  himself  an  old 
man,  had  responded  to  the  request  of  his  people  and 
marched  with  the  alacrity  of  a  boy  in  the  ranks  of  Con- 
federate veterans  to  the  great  warrior  and  statesman. 

But  his  sudden. illness  and  death  reminds  us  that  the 
elastic  frame  and  buoyant  step  were  neai'er  the  end  than 
17 


258  LIFE  OF  PATRICK  HUES  MELL. 

the  feeble  President  whom  he  tenderly  addressed,  and 
whom  he  besought  with  all  the  solieitude  of  a  younger 
soldier,  to  consider  his  own  comfort,  and  in  no  way  to  im- 
peril his  life.  Both  men  were  old-time  heroes.  The 
same  strong  will  and  unfailing  coui-age  and  unfaltering 
integrity  were  the  traits  of  each.  Those  who  knew  Dr. 
Mell  do  not  doubt  that  he  would  have  served  a  cause  with 
as  much  fidelity  and  worn  the  shackles  with  as  much 
patience.  His  life  had  worn  away  in  more  .peaceful  pur- 
suits, but  in  every  sense  of  moral  and  physical  courage, 
of  devotion  to  duty  ahd  granitic  determination  he  was  a 
hero  and  a  chieftain. 

One  of  these  striking  figures  has  gone  to  rest  under  the 
shade  trees  of  the  Oconee,  and  the  other  waits  by  the 
beautiful  waters  of  Beauvoir,  patiently  and  bravely. 

On  the  silent  shore 

Of  that  vast  ocean  he  must  sail  so  soon. 


933.5 
M48b 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY 

0035521031 


^X^ 


L- 


MARl  01964 


